A faction of Accord Party has reacted to the expulsion of its former presidential candidate, Christopher Imumolen, among other seven members, describing it as shocking and disturbing.
Recall that on Wednesday, the party led by Maxwell Mgbudem, expelled eight members, including its former presidential candidate, Professor Christopher Imumolen.
These members were expelled from the party for alleged anti-party activities and gross violations of the party’s constitution.
The decision, which followed a meeting at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, also saw three other members suspended.
The expelled members include Comrade Lanre Ogundare, Lagos State chairman; Surajo Ibrahim, Zamfara State chairman; Muktar Abdalla, Borno State chairman; Chief Abiola Samuel Odeoba, former Ekiti State chairman; Dr. Falaye Ajibola, former Ondo State chairman; Prince Adebisi Wale Ganiy; and Dzingina Jacob Ephraim, Nasarawa State chairman. Additionally, the NEC suspended Salimu Lawal Boyi (Katsina State chairman), Fatima Mohammed Zarumi (acting Yobe State chairman), and Abdullahi Isa Kasowa (Bauchi State chairman).
Reacting to this development, the Imumolen-led faction, in a statement on Thursday, signed by its National Organizing Secretary, Comrade Lanre Ogundare, said the expulsion was shocking given the ongoing legal dispute over the leadership of the party.
He recalled that Maxwell Mgbudem was appointed as the Caretaker Committee Chairman in February 2023, with a clear mandate to conduct a National Convention within six months.
According to him, instead of fulfilling this obligation transparently, there are allegations that he and the then Secretary, Hon. Ajaja, undertook actions that sought to entrench their positions and sideline other party members.
Clarifying some of the allegations against Imumolen, the national secretary said: “The alleged change in requirements for contesting elections, such as the imposition of a rule mandating candidates to have served a year in the National Executive, was seen as an attempt to exclude interested and qualified members from participating in the National Convention.
“Sectionalization of Leadership Positions: Offices were zoned to favor the committee members, with the National Chairman position zoned to the Southeast (Imo State, Maxwell’s home state) and the National Secretary to the Southwest (Ajaja’s region).
“This decision raised concerns of marginalization, particularly of the Northern members of the party, in clear violation of the party’s constitutional provisions on national character.
The statement said the same caretaker committee, whose members had vested interests in retaining leadership positions, handpicked the convention committee.
“Amid these challenges, 27 state chairmen invited Prof. Chris Imumolen, a prominent and respected figure, to contest for the position of National Chairman.
“This move was seen as a necessary step to rescue the party from leadership stagnation and restore its integrity. Prof. Imumolen’s candidacy was particularly significant as he was the party’s first presidential candidate to demonstrate zeal and commitment to the Party, bringing it to national prominence through his investments and sacrifices.
“During the convention, despite the alleged barricading of the venue by Maxwell’s supporters, Prof. Imumolen’s overwhelming support ensured the convention was held.
“He was subsequently declared the National Chairman. However, it later emerged that Maxwell and Hon. Ajaja, through alleged manipulation and existing relationships, were able to bypass the convention’s outcome and maintain recognition by INEC.
“This factionalization led Prof. Imumolen and his team to seek legal redress. The FCT High Court granted an order recognizing Prof. Imumolen as National Chairman pending the determination of the substantive suit. However, a subsequent order to maintain the status quo resulted in the continued factionalization of the party.
“It is deeply concerning that, while the court case remains unresolved, the Maxwell-led faction would announce the expulsion of Prof. Imumolen and 12 state chairmen.
“This action appears premature, divisive, and lacking in respect for due process. It undermines the principles of internal democracy and further deepens the factional crisis within the party.
“The recent allegations of anti-party activities leveled against Prof. Chris Imumolen and his loyalists by the Maxwell Mgbudem-led faction are not only unfounded but reek of hypocrisy and selective justice.
“It is particularly laughable and ironic that those making these accusations have themselves consistently engaged in acts that undermine the integrity and independence of the Accord Party.”
He, however, urged members of the Accord Party to distance itself from individuals who prioritize personal gains and external affiliations over the party’s unity and vision.
“Prof. Chris Imumolen represents a new era of transparent, inclusive, and strategic leadership—a stark contrast to the factional and self-serving tendencies of the Maxwell-Ajaja group”, he said.
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