The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has denied knowledge of a parallel governorship primary election conducted by a faction of the Accord Party. The disputed primary allegedly took place on Sunday in Osogbo, the state capital, where Bamigbola Clement was announced as the faction’s candidate for the August 8, 2026, governorship election. According to reports, Bamigbola was the sole aspirant and emerged through a consensus process.
However, INEC’s Public Relations Officer in the state, Musa Olurode, stated that the commission was not notified of the exercise. Olurode explained that INEC had monitored the officially recognized Accord Party primary, which was held earlier, and had submitted its report. “We monitored the Accord Party primary held a few days ago, and our report has already been filed. INEC has no knowledge of any other primary by the party,” he said.
The officially recognized Accord Party primary was held last Wednesday in Osogbo, resulting in Governor Ademola Adeleke being selected as the party’s candidate. Adeleke secured 145 votes from the 150 accredited delegates, while five votes were voided. The party’s electoral committee secretary, Abdulazeez Salaudeen, confirmed the outcome.
In response to the development, the caretaker chairman of the Accord Party in Osun State, Babalola Akande, dismissed the factional exercise, stating that its organizers lacked the authority to conduct a primary on behalf of the party. Akande maintained that Adeleke remains the party’s legitimate governorship candidate, emphasizing that the position is “final, lawful, and beyond dispute.” 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 attempt by “politically displaced elements seeking a return to relevance through illegitimate means.”
The dispute highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Accord Party in Osun State, with factional divisions and power struggles threatening to undermine the party’s unity and credibility. As the 2026 governorship election approaches, the party’s ability to resolve its internal conflicts and present a united front will be crucial in determining its chances of success. With INEC’s stance on the matter clear, the party’s leadership will need to navigate the complex web of internal politics to ensure that its candidate is recognized and supported by all stakeholders.
