The Accord Party (AP) has condemned its 2023 presidential candidate, Chris Imumolen, for opposing the defection of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to the party.

Imumolen had publicly challenged Adeleke’s defection, arguing that it did not follow the due process outlined in the party’s constitution. However, the national leadership of the Accord Party has sharply rejected his position.

In a statement released on Monday, the party’s National Coordinator, Rev. Isaac Adeniyi, described Imumolen’s claims as “reckless and misleading.”

“By attempting to challenge Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory at the Accord Party primary, Imumolen went behind closed doors to organise a rogue primary elsewhere in Osun State, proclaiming himself National Chairman and presenting a disguised National Working Committee,” the statement said. “These actions are illegal, null and void.”

The party praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognising Governor Adeleke as the legitimate Accord Party candidate.

“It should be recalled that Governor Ademola Adeleke was duly registered as a member of the Accord Party in his ward, purchased the nomination form, and participated in a primary conducted under INEC supervision, emerging as the party’s flag bearer,” the statement added.

The Accord Party also congratulated Adeleke on his successful emergence as the governorship candidate and expressed confidence in his victory in the upcoming Osun governorship election.

“Those backing Imumolen know that Governor Adeleke is poised for success in the forthcoming election,” the party stated.