Christopher Imumolen, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Accord Party, has withdrawn his support for Ademola Adeleke, the Osun State governor, and declared his backing for Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate.
Imumolen, who described himself as a factional chairman of the Accord, made the declaration on Thursday at the grand finale of the APC governorship campaign rally in Osogbo, the state capital.
He claimed that his faction had withdrawn its support for Adeleke, who is seeking re-election on the Accord platform, and urged members of the party in Osun to vote for Oyebamiji in Saturday’s governorship election.
“As the national chairman of the Accord Party, with my working committee, who are all here, we have stepped down our support for Ademola Adeleke, and today we declare our support for AMBO Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji],” Imumolen said.
“Come on Saturday, all Accord members in Osun State should go to the polling units and vote for AMBO.”
However, the Accord recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is led by Maxwell Mgbudem and has endorsed Adeleke for a second term.
Imumolen’s declaration therefore represents a factional position and does not amount to a withdrawal of the recognised party’s endorsement of Adeleke.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, with Adeleke and Oyebamiji among the major contenders for the governorship seat.
Imumolen had also withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race last week and announced his support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election.
He said his decision was driven by the need to prioritise national unity, stability and continued development over his personal political ambition.
The politician also said his decision to back Tinubu followed his assessment of the President’s leadership and reform agenda.
(The Sun)