Accord Party Crisis Escalates As Faction Unveils New Osun Governorship Candidate

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The internal disagreements within the Accord Party have taken another dramatic turn after a separate faction introduced a different candidate for the 2026 Osun State governorship election, further intensifying the ongoing leadership crisis within the party.

The development comes only days after the party had earlier presented Governor Ademola Adeleke as its candidate for the same election, highlighting the growing division between rival groups within the political organisation.

Rival Political Camps Within the Party

The disagreement stems largely from disputes over the legitimacy of the party’s national leadership structure.

One group within the Accord Party recognizes the leadership associated with Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem, while another faction rejects that authority, arguing that it does not represent the legally recognised leadership of the party.

Because of these conflicting positions, separate political processes have begun to emerge within the party.

Emergence of a Second Candidate

In a fresh development, a faction of the party organised its own governorship primary election in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.

During the gathering, Mr. Clement Bamigbola was selected as the faction’s candidate for the upcoming governorship race.

Reports indicate that the meeting attracted a large number of participants from across the state who took part in the selection process.

Delegates Gather for Alternative Primary

The event was reportedly held at Regina Suite in Osogbo, where hundreds of party delegates assembled to take part in the exercise.

Participants at the gathering eventually endorsed Bamigbola through a voice vote, signalling their support for his emergence as the faction’s flagbearer.

Following the vote, the Chairman of the Primary Committee, Hon. Olufemi Ogundare, formally announced Bamigbola as the candidate representing that faction of the Accord Party.

Timeline of Events Leading to the Dispute

The unfolding situation can be traced through a sequence of developments within the party:

Key Event	Description
First Primary	Governor Ademola Adeleke was declared candidate by one faction
Leadership Dispute	Some members questioned the legitimacy of the national chairman
Second Primary	A separate faction organised another governorship primary
New Candidate	Clement Bamigbola emerged through delegate endorsement

These events have effectively created two competing claims regarding the party’s candidate for the election.

Implications for the 2026 Osun Election

The emergence of multiple candidates within the same political party may complicate preparations for the upcoming governorship election in Osun State.

In such situations, electoral authorities typically determine which faction holds legal recognition before accepting a candidate for the ballot.

This means that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may eventually play a key role in resolving the dispute.

Commentary and Analysis

Internal party conflicts like the one unfolding within the Accord Party are not unusual in Nigeria’s political landscape, especially during periods leading up to major elections.

Such disputes often arise from disagreements over leadership legitimacy, candidate selection procedures, or political alliances.

However, prolonged factional crises can weaken a party’s ability to present a united front during elections, potentially affecting its competitiveness.

For the Accord Party, resolving the leadership disagreement quickly could be crucial in determining whether the party remains a serious contender in the 2026 Osun governorship race.

Political observers will now be watching closely to see how the party leadership, courts, and electoral authorities address the situation in the coming months.