Accord Rejects Claims of Supporting Alex Otti’s 2027 Re-Election Bid

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The leadership of the Accord has distanced itself from reports suggesting the party has endorsed Alex Otti for a second term ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Abia State.

The party also denied allegations that its Abia structure had been instructed to align politically with the ruling Labour Party in the state.

Accord Speaks On Alleged Endorsement

In a statement released by party spokesperson Joseph Omorogbe, the party insisted that individuals who recently visited Governor Otti in Umuahia did not represent the authentic Accord leadership.

According to the party, the group led by Christopher Imumolen had already been expelled from the organisation in 2024 over alleged anti-party conduct and therefore lacked the authority to make political declarations on its behalf.

Gossip News Now reports that the controversy began after Imumolen and some associates reportedly paid a visit to the Abia governor and publicly backed his possible re-election ambition.

Party Declares Support Move Invalid

Reacting to the development, Accord dismissed the endorsement entirely, maintaining that expelled individuals cannot act for the party or commit it to political alliances.

The party argued that only its recognised national leadership possesses the authority to take decisions relating to elections, endorsements, or coalition arrangements.

In a restructured reaction, the statement stressed that political actors who are no longer members of a party cannot legitimately speak in its name or negotiate political deals using its platform.

Accord Accuses Group Of Impersonation

The party further accused the visiting delegation of misleading the public by allegedly presenting themselves as representatives of Accord.

It described their actions as a calculated attempt to create confusion within the political environment ahead of future elections.

Accord maintained that the activities of the group were well known within political circles and insisted that Nigerians should not mistake them for officials acting under the authority of the party’s recognised structure.

Otti Criticised Over Meeting

The party also questioned why Governor Otti accepted the delegation without confirming the officially recognised leadership of Accord with the Independent National Electoral Commission.

According to the statement, the governor should have verified the legitimate national executives before engaging with individuals claiming to represent the party.

The organisation noted that Maxwell Mgbuden remains the only recognised national chairman of Accord as acknowledged by INEC.

NEC Holds Final Authority — Accord

The party reaffirmed that decisions concerning candidates, endorsements, and election matters can only come from its National Executive Committee under Mgbuden’s leadership.

It warned against attempts by expelled members or outsiders to use the Accord name for personal political bargaining or negotiations.

According to the party, any endorsement made outside the approval of the recognised NEC should be considered invalid and politically misleading.

Media Urged To Verify Party Leadership

Accord also advised journalists and media organisations to confirm the authentic leadership of political parties before publishing reports concerning endorsements or internal party activities.

The party argued that proper verification with INEC would help reduce misinformation and prevent political impersonation.

Commentary And Political Analysis

The disagreement highlights the growing political realignments already shaping conversations ahead of the 2027 elections in Abia State and across Nigeria.

Political observers believe endorsements and coalition talks will become increasingly common as parties attempt to position themselves strategically before the next electoral cycle.

The controversy also reflects the internal struggles smaller political parties often face when former members or rival factions continue operating under disputed claims of legitimacy.

For Governor Otti, the incident may not significantly affect his political standing immediately, but it demonstrates how sensitive political endorsements have become as political parties begin early calculations for 2027.

TAGS: Alex Otti