The Accord Party in Lagos State has experienced a significant influx of new members, comprising politicians and professionals who have defected from various parties. The new intake includes individuals from the Labour Party, Action Alliance, Peoples Democratic Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and the All Progressives Congress.
At a reception in Alimosho, Mr. Robert Sowore, a retired banker and financial consultant who left the Labour Party, spoke on behalf of the defectors. He stated that they joined Accord to be part of a people-driven coalition aimed at challenging the long-standing dominance of the APC in Lagos. Sowore, who defected with over 1,000 supporters, described Accord as the most credible platform for mobilizing grassroots participation and effecting political change in the state.
According to Sowore, the Accord Party represents the right vehicle for a people-led coalition that can spark a political shift in Lagos State. He emphasized that removing the ruling party would require a coalition rooted in the masses rather than an alliance driven by political elites. Sowore believes that the Accord provides the necessary structure for such a movement, starting from Alimosho, which he described as the political heartbeat of Lagos.
Other notable defectors include Mr. Olatunde Ibrahim, a former APC senatorial aspirant and tax consultant, who expressed his readiness to contribute his professional expertise to the coalition’s success. Mr. Mayowa Odeyingbo, a technology consultant who left the APC, cited Accord’s ideological clarity as the reason for his decision, describing the party as a center-right party with a people-centered ideology.
The Lagos State Chairman of Accord, Mr. Dele Oladeji, welcomed the new members, describing their defection as a major boost to the party’s growth and credibility. Oladeji assured the defectors that the party’s internal processes are anchored on fairness and merit, noting that anyone aspiring to public office under Accord would secure the party’s ticket based on competence and capacity rather than influence.
The influx of new members is expected to enhance the party’s chances in future elections, as it seeks to challenge the dominance of the APC in Lagos State. With its focus on grassroots participation and people-centered policies, the Accord Party is positioning itself as a viable alternative for voters seeking change. As the political landscape in Lagos continues to evolve, the Accord Party’s growth and newfound strength will likely be closely watched by political observers and analysts.
