Accord party names Osun caretaker chairman, approves 2026 primary guidelines

Maxwell Mgbudem addressing members of the Accord Party NWC and state chairmen at the NEC meeting in Abuja.

Photo Credit: Accord Party

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The National Executive Committee of the Accord Party has approved a new Caretaker Committee for its Osun State chapter, naming Victor Akande as chairman following the expiration of the previous leadership’s tenure.

The decision was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the National Publicity Secretary, Joseph Omorogbe.

The NEC meeting was attended by 36 state chairmen, members of the National Working Committee, and was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Aside from constituting the Osun State chapter’s Caretaker Committee with Akande as chairman, the NEC also approved the electoral guidelines for the 2026 Osun State governorship primaries and established an Electoral Committee for the exercise.

“We express confidence that Accord will be competitive in the election,” Omorogbe said.

He added that the party granted a general waiver to new members seeking to contest elective positions and created Women and Youth Directorates across all levels to drive grassroots mobilisation.

The NEC lifted the suspension of some Osun members “in the spirit of oneness and progress,” passed a vote of confidence in National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, and maintained that there is no faction in the party.

It also urged members to remain loyal and avoid being distracted by “reactionary forces” as preparations continue for upcoming elections.

In his remarks, Mgbudem stressed that the party remains united despite recent attempts to stir internal crises.

“Let me emphasise clearly today that Accord has no faction anywhere, neither at the national nor state levels.

“We remain one united, indivisible family, firmly guided by our ideology of oneness and progress. We will continue to maintain this unity with vigilance and firmness,” he said.

He described the party’s Edo and Ondo primaries as evidence of Accord’s commitment to transparency.

The chairman added that recent court rulings had further strengthened the party’s leadership structure.

“Our commitment to transparency and internal democracy was evident in the smooth conduct of the Edo and Ondo primary elections.

“Even in instances where tensions emerged, such as the temporary misunderstanding in Edo, we intervened promptly and effectively, restoring complete harmony and reaffirming Accord’s reputation as a party that stands for justice, reconciliation, and fairness.

“The legitimacy and authenticity of our leadership and internal processes have been strengthened through our judicial victories. While some have sought to distract the party through unnecessary litigations, we remain unmoved, focused, and committed to the task of nation-building,” he said.

He said Accord would remain focused despite the activities of “political jobbers,” adding that preparations for the 2026 FCT council elections were progressing well.

Mgbudem further warned members against acts capable of undermining the party.

“Accord will not tolerate any individual whose actions or utterances seek to undermine the harmony, stability, and unity of the party. Discipline remains a core value of our political family, and we will apply it firmly whenever necessary to preserve the integrity of our collective mandate,” he said.

Friday’s development comes three weeks after the party leadership nullified the purported suspension of Mgbudem announced by a splinter group in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

The group, linked to former presidential candidate Chris Imumolen—whom the party says had long been expelled—named him national chairman and accused Mgbudem of anti-party activities.

At the time, Omorogbe dismissed the move as “laughable,” describing it as the handiwork of “political jobbers seeking relevance.”

“Maxwell Mgbudem remains the authentic national chairman of Accord, duly recognised by INEC and listed on the Commission’s website,” he said.

The party also cited a July 17, 2025 judgment by Justice Fatima A. Aliyu striking out a suit filed by Imumolen, which it said further affirmed Mgbudem’s position.

The PUNCH journalist, Adebayo, has over 20 years of experience covering politics, health, metro, entertainment and properties

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