A leadership crisis has emerged within the Accord Party (AP) following the public endorsement of Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for a second term.
While one group pledges total cooperation with the Labour Party (LP), a rival faction insists the move is an act of impersonation.
The controversy began when Professor Christopher Imumolen, acting as National Chairman, led a delegation to visit Governor Otti in Umuahia on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
During the visit, Imumolen praised the Governor’s performance and promised that his party would work to ensure Otti’s continuity beyond 2027.
“For me, development is beyond party line. Once there is development, once there is progress, it’s important that the opposition should acknowledge it,” Prof. Imumolen stated.
He further claimed that his leadership would align with Otti’s directives to ensure a smooth re-election bid.
Claims of Performance and Political Alliance
Professor Imumolen, who was the Accord Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, told the Governor that opposition should appreciate good leadership.
He directed the Abia State chapter to begin mobilising members immediately for the upcoming polls.
“We are giving him all the support from the Accord Party from the National to our Abia State Chapter, because he has done so well as the Governor of Abia State,” he added.
Otti, a former bank CEO who won the 2023 election on the Labour Party platform, thanked the delegation for their support. He noted that the essence of politics is the welfare and security of the people.
“I want to assure you that we will also work together with you. We will work together both at the State and National levels,” the Governor responded.
However, this alliance was quickly challenged by another wing of the party.
Joseph Omorogbe, speaking for the rival faction, claimed that Imumolen and his team are no longer members of the party. He alleged they were expelled in 2024 for anti-party activities.
Disputed Leadership and Legal Validity
The second faction maintains that Barrister Maxwell Mgbuden is the only recognised National Chairman on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website.
They described the Umuahia endorsement as a “showmanship” designed to exploit politicians.
“It is obvious that non-members of a political party cannot speak, act, or endorse any aspirant for any elective position on behalf of the authentic leadership of the party,” Omorogbe stated.
Furthermore, the statement claimed that only Mgbuden’s National Executive Committee has the power to present candidates or form alliances.
They suggested that Governor Otti might have fallen victim to “political mercenaries.”
Meanwhile, the internal struggle for the “soul” of the party continues to create confusion among supporters. In Nigeria, factionalism in political parties often leads to prolonged legal battles before the courts finally determine the legitimate leadership.
As the 2027 election season approaches, such endorsements will become more and more commonplace. The Accord Party now faces a race against time to resolve its internal disputes before the official end of submission of names of party members and candidates for election.
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