Abuja, May 7, 2027
2023 presidential candidate of Accord Party, Chris Imumolen, says his recent visit to Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti and endorsement of the governor for a second term were not influenced by financial inducement.
Imumolen made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, saying the endorsement was based solely on Otti’s leadership performance in Abia.
He said the visit was intended to appreciate and commend the governor for what he described as transformational governance and people-oriented policies implemented under Otti’s administration in the state.
The entrepreneur said he was impressed by developments in infrastructure, education, healthcare delivery, and other sectors, adding that good governance should be acknowledged regardless of political party differences.
According to him, opposition politics should not focus only on criticism but should also recognise and encourage leaders delivering meaningful results to improve citizens’ welfare and development.
“The reward for good work is more work. Opposition politics should not be centered only on criticising leaders from other parties, but should also include commending and encouraging leaders who are performing excellently for the people,” he said.
Imumolen consequently endorsed Otti for re-election and directed members of the Accord Party in Abia to support the governor ahead of the 2027 general election.
He also disclosed that the Accord Party faction under his leadership was considering making contributions in support of Otti’s future political campaign activities in the state.
According to him, such bipartisan political support remains uncommon in Nigeria, where opposition parties rarely endorse political opponents based on competence and performance rather than party affiliation.
Reacting to statements from the Maxwell Mgbudem-led faction rejecting the endorsement, Imumolen described the group as lacking legitimacy and relevance within the Accord Party leadership structure.
He said the leadership dispute within the party remained before the Federal High Court, where the Independent National Electoral Commission’s recognition of Mgbudem’s faction was being challenged.
Imumolen insisted that existing court orders recognised his leadership, while accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission of failing to fully comply with judicial pronouncements on the party’s authentic leadership.
He reiterated the commitment of the Accord Party under his leadership to supporting competent leaders across elective offices, irrespective of party affiliation, based on performance and track records.
According to him, politics should serve as a platform for national development, constructive engagement, and support for leaders genuinely delivering democratic dividends to citizens across the country.
He urged the public to disregard comments from what he described as the “jobless faction,” alleging that the group consistently opposed developmental efforts initiated by his leadership.
On allegations concerning his purported expulsion from the party, Imumolen dismissed the claims as baseless, unconstitutional, and inconsistent with provisions of the Accord Party constitution.
According to him, no faction currently involved in active litigation possesses the constitutional authority to expel another faction while leadership matters remain pending before the court.
He described the alleged expulsion as political rascality and reaffirmed his commitment to building what he called a stronger, progressive, and nationally competitive Accord Party.
