The Chairman of the Accord Party in Osun State, Victor Akande, has reaffirmed that Governor Ademola Adeleke remains the party’s only recognised candidate for the August 8 governorship election.
Akande also downplayed the strength of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, insisting that the opposition party poses no threat to Governor Adeleke’s re-election bid.
Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Tuesday, the Accord chairman described claims that one Clement Bamigbola emerged as the party’s governorship candidate as false and misleading, stressing that such claims were a waste of time and resources.
According to him, the alleged primary election that produced Bamigbola was organised by what he termed a “non-existent faction” of the party.
“The kangaroo primary purportedly held by a non-existent faction is nothing but a ruse. Such a faction does not exist within the Accord Party structure as recognised by law,” Akande said.
He explained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has consistently recognised Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem as the legitimate national chairman of the Accord Party, citing previous elections in states such as Anambra and Ekiti.
“INEC has been dealing with Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem in various elections across the country, and I can assure you that Osun will not be different,” he added.
Akande further accused those promoting the idea of a factional candidate of being political opportunists seeking attention and financial gain.
“Governor Adeleke has no rival as far as our party ticket is concerned,” he said.
On the chances of the APC reclaiming power in the state, Akande maintained that Osun voters had already rejected the party in the 2022 governorship election and would do so again in August.
“We know the antecedents of the APC and how they governed when they were in power. Workers were reduced to beggars through the payment of half salaries. Osun people will not return to that era,” he stated.
He expressed confidence that the electorate would deliver a stronger mandate for Governor Adeleke, adding that the upcoming election would send a clear message that the state does not want a return to what he described as “an era of darkness.”
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