The Osun State chapter of the Accord party has criticized a call by a Nigerian lawmaker, Wole Oke, to deregister the party. Oke, a member of the House of Representatives, allegedly made the call on social media, citing the party’s lack of elected officials as reason for deregistration.
In response, the Accord party’s Osun State Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, issued a statement describing the move as a calculated attempt to mislead the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and prevent Governor Ademola Adeleke from contesting the 2026 Osun governorship election on the party’s platform. According to Akande, the party has complied with all constitutional and statutory requirements under the Electoral Act and has consistently participated in elections across Nigeria.
The party dismissed claims that it was liable to deregistration, describing them as unfounded and misleading. Akande urged members and supporters to remain calm and focused, stating that the party remains a fully registered political party with a strong presence in the country.
Oke’s call for deregistration was based on Sections 225A and 84(16) of the Electoral Act 2022, which authorize INEC to deregister political parties for non-performance. However, the Accord party maintains that it has met and exceeded the conditions required of registered political parties.
The controversy has sparked reactions across different political parties, with many viewing Oke’s call as a political maneuver. The Accord party has called on Oke to desist from attempts to associate the party with controversy and to focus on his legislative responsibilities.
As the debate continues, the Accord party has reaffirmed its legal status, with Akande stating that the party remains “solidly registered, legally grounded, and firmly rooted among the people.” The party’s response is seen as an effort to reassure its supporters and maintain stability ahead of the 2026 elections. With the electoral commission yet to respond to Oke’s call, the situation remains a subject of interest in Nigerian politics.
