A faction within the Osun State Accord Party has announced Clement Bamigbola as its candidate for the state’s governorship election following the conclusion of its own primary election.
The faction, led by Chris Imumolen, has strongly criticised Governor Ademola Adeleke over his recent defection to the Accord Party. The group described Adeleke’s move as a “back-door entry” and deemed it “invalid,” arguing that proper party procedures were not followed and raising questions about the legitimacy of the governor’s reported action. Party insiders warned that the defection could threaten internal cohesion and deepen existing divisions within political circles.
Despite the faction’s objections, the Accord Party’s national leadership has cleared Governor Adeleke to participate in the Osun State gubernatorial primary. Adeleke, alongside his deputy and other top aides, officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday.
Elder Ibe Thankgod, Chairman of the Accord Party Screening Committee, confirmed that Adeleke had been screened ahead of Wednesday’s primary. According to reports, Adeleke, the sole aspirant in the primary, secured 145 out of 150 votes cast by delegates.
Governor Adeleke’s emergence as the party’s candidate comes less than 24 hours after his defection to the Accord Party, more than a month after leaving the PDP.
