The attention of the leadership of the Accord Party (Prof. Chris Imumolen–led faction) has been drawn to the recent publication by The Punch titled “INEC disowns factional Accord Party gov primary in Osun.”
While we respect the role of the media and the statutory responsibilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it is important to set the records straight and clarify critical facts deliberately or inadvertently omitted.
First, the claims attributed to INEC clearly expose internal inefficiencies and weak document control mechanisms within the Commission, rather than any failure on the part of Accord Party. The Party duly complied with the law by submitting the required notification of its governorship primary to the INEC Headquarters, in line with the Electoral Act. Evidence of submission exists, including a received and acknowledged copy, which remains on record.
If such communication was not internally relayed or properly processed within INEC, that administrative lapse cannot, in law or logic, be blamed on the Party. The minimum requirement under the law is notification and acknowledgment—not internal circulation within INEC, which remains the Commission’s sole responsibility.
Secondly, it is deeply concerning that the same INEC that now questions internal party processes has consistently failed to comply with a valid and subsisting court order. In October 2024, the FCT High Court unequivocally recognized Prof. Chris Imumolen as the National Chairman of Accord Party. To date, INEC has refused or neglected to fully give effect to this judicial pronouncement.
This selective compliance raises serious questions about institutional bias and the activities of certain elements within INEC who have repeatedly positioned themselves against the democratic interests of ordinary Nigerians and political parties operating within the law.
Furthermore, the leadership dispute within Accord Party is already before a competent court, with the matter scheduled for hearing on 8th January, where the issue of rightful leadership will be conclusively determined—despite the existence of a prior court order already recognizing the Prof. Chris Imumolen–led leadership.
It is therefore premature, misleading, and legally unsustainable for INEC to take public positions that prejudge a matter already before the courts, especially while remaining in contempt of an existing judgment.
The Accord Party reiterates its commitment to:
* Due process
* Rule of law
* Internal democracy
* Peaceful and lawful political engagement
We call on INEC to urgently strengthen its internal documentation, communication, and compliance systems, uphold court orders, and desist from actions that undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of administrative inefficiency or institutional bias.
Signed:
Accord
National Secretariat
