The Chris Imumolen-led faction of the Accord Party has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its disownment of the faction’s governorship primary in Osun State, describing the move as unfair and procedurally flawed.
The faction, in a statement issued on Monday, December 15, and signed by its National Secretary, Muktar Abdalla, insisted that it fully complied with the requirements of the Electoral Act regarding the conduct and notification of its governorship primary, which produced Bamigbola Clement as the party’s candidate for the August 8, 2026 election.
Another faction of the party, led by Isaac Adeniyi, had also held a separate primary that produced Governor Ademola Adeleke as its candidate. INEC, however, recognised Adeleke’s emergence and disowned the Clement candidacy.
The Osun INEC Public Relations Officer, Musa Olurode, said earlier that the commission was “unaware of any parallel exercise.”
Responding, the Imumolen-led faction blamed INEC’s internal lapses for the confusion, stating that its primary was properly communicated and acknowledged by INEC headquarters.
“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 record straight and clarify critical facts deliberately or inadvertently omitted,” the statement read.
“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 the Accord Party.
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“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.”
The faction further argued that INEC’s failure to internally circulate the communication was an administrative lapse that should not invalidate its primary.
It also faulted the electoral body for allegedly disregarding a subsisting court order recognising Professor Imumolen as the party’s legitimate National Chairman.
“The leadership dispute within the Accord Party is already before a competent court, with the matter scheduled for hearing on 8th January.
“Despite an existing order recognising the Prof. Chris Imumolen-led leadership, INEC has acted in a manner that prejudges a case still before the courts,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy and rule of law, the faction called on INEC to review its internal documentation processes and ensure respect for judicial orders.