Fresh Crisis Hits Accord Party
The internal crisis rocking the Accord Party in Osun State has deepened with the emergence of another governorship candidate ahead of the 2026 governorship election, barely days after Governor Ademola Adeleke was announced as the party’s flag-bearer.
Faction Produces New Candidate
A faction within the party has conducted a parallel governorship primary, resulting in the emergence of Mr. Clement Bamigbola as its candidate for the 2026 Osun governorship race. This development comes four days after a separate primary produced Adeleke, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Adeleke’s Nomination Under Dispute
Earlier in the week, the Accord Party, under the leadership of Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem, held a primary election in which Adeleke reportedly secured overwhelming support from delegates and was declared the party’s candidate. Party leaders loyal to the national leadership described the exercise as valid and in line with party guidelines.
Legitimacy of Party Leadership Questioned
However, the outcome was rejected by a segment of the party, which questioned the legality of the primary. The aggrieved faction argued that Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem is not the legally recognised national chairman of the Accord Party, insisting that the process which produced Adeleke lacked due process.
Parallel Primary Held in Osogbo
In a fresh twist on Sunday, the dissenting faction convened its own governorship primary at Regina Suite, Osogbo. About 300 delegates drawn from various parts of Osun State reportedly participated in the exercise, which was conducted through a voice vote.
Bamigbola Declared Factional Candidate
At the end of the exercise, Hon. Olufemi Ogundare, Chairman of the Primary Committee, officially declared Mr. Clement Bamigbola as the faction’s governorship candidate for the 2026 Osun State election.
Implications for 2026 Governorship Race
The emergence of two governorship candidates from the same party has exposed deep divisions within the Accord Party and raised concerns about its unity and electoral strength. Political observers warn that unresolved internal disputes could lead to legal battles and weaken the party’s chances at the polls.
Attention Shifts to INEC and Party Leaders
As the 2026 election approaches, attention is now focused on the party’s national leadership and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to determine which primary will be recognised, while stakeholders await possible reconciliation efforts within the Accord Party in Osun State.