News

Accord Members Stage Protest, Demand Recognition Of Imumolen As National Chairman

Published

2 months ago

April 22, 2026

Preport

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Some members of Accord party on Tuesday staged a protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters, Abuja, demanding immediate recognition of Prof. Christopher Imumolen as the party’s National Chairman.

The protesters, who thronged the commission’s office with placards and a formal petition, called on INEC to comply with subsisting court orders affirming Imumolen’s leadership and to update its records accordingly

Speaking during the protest, Imumolen, a former presidential candidate of the party, expressed frustration over what he called INEC’s reluctance to enforce judicial decisions.

He said that the commission, as a regulatory body, must remain neutral and uphold the rule of law.

“We have not come here to cause any problem, but to speak because it seems INEC has not been listening.

“INEC should not be found supporting one faction over another, especially when there is a court order giving direction on what to do. A court order is not advisory; it is meant to be obeyed,” Imumolen said.

He queried INEC for complying with similar court orders regarding other parties, such as African Democratic Congress (ADC), while failing to do so for Accord.

He said that in spite of several court orders and petitions submitted to INEC, it had continued to recognise the Maxwell Mgbudem-led faction.

“We have submitted numerous letters and court proceedings to INEC, yet their website still reflects another person as chairman. Justice delayed is justice denied,” he stated.

Imumolen alleged that the Mgbudem-led faction had been illegally removing state chairmen supporting the court-mandated leadership.

“INEC is under a constitutional obligation to obey valid court orders. If there is any claim that the order has expired, the critical question remains: why was it not obeyed while it was subsisting?

“Had INEC complied accordingly, Prof. Chris Imumolen would have been duly reflected on the INEC website as national chairman, pending any application by Mr Maxwell Mdubem to vacate the order which, till date, has not been vacated,’’ he said.

He said that the demands of the protesters, as stated in the petition, included calls for the immediate recognition and formal listing of Imumolen as the national chairman on the INEC website.

“We hereby demand that INEC immediately recognise Chris Imumolen as national chairman in full compliance with subsisting court orders; and cease recognition of Mdubem, as no court order authorises such recognition.

“All duly elected state chairmen, who emerged through valid congresses and whose tenures remain subsisting, must also be recognised by INEC without prejudice,’’ he said.

The affected states, according to him, include: Zamfara, Borno, Ogun, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Osun, Nasarawa, FCT, Edo, Delta, Benue, Oyo, Plateau and Kwara.

Imumolen called on INEC to immediately comply with all subsisting court orders, as issued by competent courts of jurisdiction.

“Court orders are meant to be obeyed—not ignored, not delayed and certainly not selectively applied.

“We trust that INEC will act swiftly to correct these anomalies and uphold the sanctity of the law,’’ he said.

He warned that failure to act accordingly risks placing INEC in direct conflict with judicial authorities and constitutional order.

“If laws are not obeyed, then should we take humanity into our hands? No, we will not. But if the court has decided, you follow it,” Imumolen said.

He also alleged that Mdubem had continued to deploy institutional mechanisms to intimidate and victimise duly-elected state chairmen who did not align with his claim to leadership.

INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, while addressing the protesters, said that the commission would consider the petition they submitted.

“I have listened to what you have said. I have received some communication by you. I will forward this to the commission and it will look into whatever it is there and act appropriately,’’ Zuru said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OBE/WAS

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

News

Ekiti 2026: Re-elect Oyebanji for second term – Tinubu tells residents

Published

4 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Preport

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s performance in office, telling Ekiti voters that the governor came into leadership fully prepared to serve the people.

Speaking ahead of the June 20 governorship election, Tinubu urged residents to re-elect Oyebanji for a second term.

The endorsement came on Tuesday at the All Progressives Congress mega rally in Ado-Ekiti. The venue was packed with party faithful, allies from other political groups, and supporters across religious and ethnic lines, all showing solidarity with Oyebanji’s re-election bid.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu praised Ekiti citizens for their loyalty to the APC over the years.

He described the state as fortunate to have Oyebanji at the helm of affairs, noting that the governor’s actions and policies prove that true leadership is about serving people, not oppressing them or undermining their rights.

Tinubu highlighted Oyebanji’s humility, patience, and respect for traditional rulers and past leaders, pointing out the absence of opposition posters across the state as a sign of Oyebanji’s wide acceptance.

“On Saturday, go out and re-elect this humble and peaceful man to further serve you better,” Shettima said on Tinubu’s behalf. The President then symbolically handed Oyebanji over to former governors and first ladies, urging them to secure victory for him.

Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, described Oyebanji’s popularity as electrifying.

Chairman of the APC Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, said the party’s visibility in Ekiti was unmatched. He noted that only the APC had campaigned market to market and house to house.

APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwadta, insisted the party’s confidence was rooted in Oyebanji’s connection to the people, not just in being the ruling party.

A visibly elated Governor Oyebanji, joined by his wife Dr Olayemi Oyebanji and Deputy Monisade Afuye, said he was not relying on federal might but on his record and the promises he kept since 2022.

He appealed for a peaceful election and promised that his second term would surpass the achievements of the last three and a half years.

News

Nigerian Striker Toyosi Olusanya Completes Permanent Move to Aberdeen on Two-Year Deal

Published

6 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Preport

Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen have secured the permanent signing of London-born Nigerian striker Toyosi Olusanya, with the forward committing his future to the club on a two-year contract after an impressive loan spell.

Sports247 reports that the 28-year-old joins the Dons as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo. His arrival marks another key addition to manager Stephen Robinson’s rebuilding project ahead of the new season.

Olusanya spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Aberdeen, where he quickly adapted to life in Scottish football.

During his stint, he made 18 appearances across all competitions and contributed three goal involvements, earning the confidence of the coaching staff and convincing the club to pursue a permanent deal.

The striker’s work rate, physical presence, and attacking versatility made him a valuable option during his loan spell, and Aberdeen will be hoping he can build on that foundation as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming Premiership campaign.

His signing represents the fifth addition to Robinson’s squad during the summer transfer window as the club continues to strengthen its roster with an eye on domestic success and improved performances across all competitions.

Born in London and eligible to represent Nigeria, Olusanya has enjoyed a career spanning English football and Major League Soccer before making the move north of the border.

The permanent transfer offers him the opportunity to continue his development in a familiar environment after settling into the team during his loan period.

For Aberdeen, retaining a player who already understands the club’s style and expectations provides continuity as they reshape the squad for the new season.

Supporters will be eager to see the Nigerian forward translate his promising displays into consistent goals and assists over the course of the campaign.

With his future now secured at Pittodrie, Olusanya begins the next chapter of his career aiming to establish himself as a key figure in Aberdeen’s attack and help the club compete strongly in the Scottish Premiership.