‘It’s premature’ – Accord Party faction dismisses expulsion of ex-presidential candidate

A faction of the Accord Party (AP) has dismissed the expulsion of Christopher Imumolen, its standard-bearer in the 2023 presidential election.

On Wednesday, the national executive committee (NEC) led by Maxwell Mgbudem, national chair, and Adebukola Ajaja, national secretary, announced the expulsion of Imumolen. He was accused of “anti-party activities”.

The faction also dismissed some AP state chairs – Surajo Ibrahim (Zamfara), Muktar Abdalla (Borno), and Dzingina Ephraim (Nasarawa), Salimu Boyi (Katsina), Fatima Zarumi (Yobe), and Abdullahi Kasowa (Bauchi).

In a statement on Thursday, Lanre Ogundare, national organising secretary of the faction loyal to Imumolen, said it is “deeply concerning” that the Mgbudem-led faction would announce an expulsion when there is an unresolved leadership case in court.

“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,” he said.

“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.

“It is no secret that Hon. Ajaja, the factional National Secretary, maintains close ties with the PDP in Oyo state.

“The fact that the Oyo state Accord chairman holds a position as executive secretary in charge of Asabari LCDA under the PDP government further underscores this alliance.

“These associations raise serious questions about their loyalty to the Accord Party and their commitment to its growth and principles.”

Ogundare said the focus of all factions of the AP should be resolving disputes through lawful means and prioritising the collective good of the party.