The Accord Party (AP) has publicly distanced itself from its 2023 presidential candidate, Chris Imumolen, over his opposition to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s defection to the party.

Imumolen had earlier contested Adeleke’s defection, claiming it did not follow the due process outlined in the party’s constitution. However, the Accord Party’s National Coordinator, Rev. Isaac Adeniyi, described Imumolen’s stance as reckless and misleading.

“By challenging Governor Adeleke’s legitimate primary victory, Imumolen hastily convened an unrecognized ‘kangaroo primary’ elsewhere in Osun State, claiming himself as National Chairman and presenting a disguised National Working Committee. His actions are illegal, null, and void,” Adeniyi said.

The party praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognizing Adeleke as the legitimate Accord Party candidate, noting that he was duly registered, purchased the nomination form, and won the primary in accordance with party procedures.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke was duly elected as our consensus candidate and we congratulate him on emerging as the governorship candidate of the Accord Party. Those backing Imumolen should know that Adeleke is poised for victory in the forthcoming Osun governorship election,” the statement added.