Accord Denies Endorsing Gov Otti for 2027 Re-Election

The Accord has denied endorsing Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for a second term ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The party also stated that it did not direct its Abia State chapter to support the ruling Labour Party in the state.

In a statement issued by the party’s spokesperson, Joseph Omorogbe, Accord clarified that Christopher Imumolen and his associates are no longer members of the party, having been expelled in 2024 over alleged anti-party activities.

Imumolen and members of his group had recently paid a courtesy visit to Governor Otti at the Government House in Umuahia, where they publicly endorsed the governor for re-election.

However, the national leadership of Accord described the endorsement as “null, void and of no effect whatsoever.”

“It is obvious 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 read.

The party further alleged that Imumolen and his associates were impersonating the party’s leadership.

“What Imumolen and his co-travelers did in Umuahia is their usual showmanship and impersonation of the Accord leadership to hoodwink unsuspecting members of the public. Their antics are well known to all discerning citizens,” it added.

Accord also expressed disappointment that Governor Otti allegedly failed to verify the authentic leadership of the party before accepting the endorsement.

“It is unfortunate that Gov Alex Otti fell victim to these political mercenaries roaming the democratic space seeking vulnerable politicians to exploit in this election season,” the statement said.

The party maintained that only the leadership headed by Maxwell Mgbuden, as recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has the authority to present candidates for elections.

Accord urged Nigerians to disregard the purported endorsement, describing it as the handiwork of individuals seeking to create division within the party.

The party also advised journalists to verify the leadership of political parties with INEC before publishing related reports to avoid misleading the public.

Accord reaffirmed that it remains united under the leadership of Mgbuden and is prepared for the forthcoming elections.