Accord Party’s Imumolen Leads Protest at INEC HQ Over Leadership Recognition

Protesters gathered at INEC headquarters in Abuja Tuesday, demanding recognition of Professor Christopher Imumolen as Accord Party’s national chairman. The demonstration highlights yet another party grappling with leadership disputes that refuse to stay settled.

Imumolen, a former Accord presidential candidate, led the protest with placards and a formal petition. His message was direct: INEC should obey court orders recognizing his leadership instead of continuing to acknowledge the rival Maxwell Mgbudem faction.

The Core Dispute

Accord Party has been split between competing factions, each claiming legitimate leadership. Imumolen’s camp points to court orders they say affirm his position. Mgbudem’s faction maintains it holds the rightful mandate through party congresses.

“INEC should not be found supporting one faction over another, especially when there is a court order giving direction on what to do,” Imumolen told reporters. “A court order is not advisory; it is meant to be obeyed.”

INEC’s Selective Compliance

Imumolen accused INEC of double standards. The commission has enforced court orders in similar disputes involving other parties—notably ADC, where INEC eventually recognized the David Mark faction after judicial intervention.

“Why does INEC comply with court orders for ADC but not for Accord?” he asked. The question puts the electoral commission in an awkward position. Either explain the inconsistency or correct it.

States Caught in the Middle

The dispute affects Accord’s operations across multiple states. Imumolen listed Zamfara, Borno, Ogun, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Osun, Nasarawa, FCT, Edo, Delta, Benue, Oyo, Plateau, and Kwara as states where his faction’s chairmen face recognition problems.

Without INEC recognition, these state chairmen can’t officially represent the party in electoral matters. That affects candidate nominations, party agent accreditation, and ultimately the party’s ability to compete in elections.

INEC’s Response

INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Zuru received the protesters’ petition and promised to forward it to the commission. It’s the kind of non-committal response that keeps both sides guessing—and keeps the dispute alive.

For now, the standoff continues. Accord Party needs resolution if it hopes to field credible candidates in 2027. INEC needs consistency if it wants to be seen as an honest broker in party disputes.

Nobody is winning except the lawyers billing for endless litigation.

Sources: Premium Times, The Cable, TVC News