Accord Party denies endorsing Abia State Governor Alex Otti for the 2027 gubernatorial election, stating that the purported support was issued by expelled members and holds no legal effect.
In a statement signed by party spokesperson Joseph Omorogbe, Accord clarified that it never directed its Abia State chapter to back the ruling Labour Party or Governor Otti. The party cited the expulsion of Prof. Christopher Imumolen and his associates in 2024 for “anti‑party activities” as the basis for declaring their recent endorsement void.
Imumolen’s group visited Governor Otti at Government House in Umuahia last week and publicly pledged support for his second term. Accord’s national leadership responded that “non‑members of a political party cannot speak, act, or endorse any aspirant for any elective position on behalf of the authentic leadership of the party.” The statement described the visit as “showmanship and impersonation” intended to mislead the public.
The party warned that Governor Otti appears to have been targeted by “political mercenaries” exploiting the pre‑election climate. Accord urged all politicians to verify party leadership through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website, which lists Barrister Maxwell Mgbuden as the party’s national chairman. Only the National Executive Committee (NEC) headed by Mgbuden, the statement affirmed, is authorized to nominate candidates for any election.
Accord called on journalists and the public to cross‑check endorsements against official INEC records to prevent misinformation. The party emphasized its unity under Chairman Mgbuden and confirmed it remains prepared for the upcoming electoral contests.
The clarification arrives amid heightened political activity ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, where parties are increasingly scrutinized over the legitimacy of their endorsements. By repudiating the alleged support for Governor Otti, Accord seeks to maintain its organizational integrity and avoid internal divisions that could affect its performance at the ballot box.
