Osun Governorship: INEC Disowns Parallel Accord Party Primary

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has denied any knowledge of a parallel governorship primary conducted by a faction of the Accord Party. The disputed primary took place in Osogbo, the state capital, on Sunday and produced Bamigbola Clement as the faction’s candidate for the August 8, 2026, governorship election. However, INEC’s Public Relations Officer, Musa Olurode, said the commission was not notified of the exercise and had only monitored the officially recognized Accord Party primary held earlier.

The officially recognized primary, conducted last Wednesday, resulted in Governor Ademola Adeleke becoming the party’s candidate, receiving 145 votes out of 150 accredited delegates. Party electoral committee secretary Abdulazeez Salaudeen confirmed the results, noting that five votes were voided. In contrast, the factional primary claimed that Bamigbola Clement was selected by consensus as the sole aspirant.

Accord Party caretaker chairman in Osun State, Babalola Akande, dismissed the factional exercise, insisting that its organizers lacked the authority to conduct a primary on behalf of the party. Akande affirmed that Adeleke remains the party’s legitimate governorship candidate, stating, “No parallel arrangement, impersonation, or stage‑managed event can overturn this reality.” He warned that the party would pursue legal action against individuals or groups attempting to legitimize or support the factional candidates, describing the move as an effort by “politically displaced elements seeking a return to relevance through illegitimate means.”

The episode highlights ongoing internal conflicts within the Accord Party, as factions vie for control and recognition. INEC’s stance underscores the importance of adhering to established procedures and protocols in the electoral process. With the 2026 governorship election approaching, stakeholders and observers are likely to monitor the situation closely, as the party’s internal disputes could have significant implications for the election’s outcome and the Accord Party’s overall legitimacy.