By Jane Okeke
The recent decision by Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to align with the Accord Party has stirred fresh political debates, not merely because of the defection itself but due to the internal leadership crisis currently rocking the party.
For several months, the Accord Party has been enmeshed in a bitter factional dispute over its national leadership, with Barrister Maxwell Ndubem and Professor Chris Imumolen both laying claim to the office of National Chairman.
In October 2024, the Federal Capital Territory High Court delivered a judgment recognising Professor Imumolen as the authentic National Chairman of the party.
Despite the court ruling, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to fully regularise the situation, thereby allowing the two rival factions to continue operating in parallel.
Governor Adeleke reportedly aligned with the faction led by Barrister Ndubem. A party source within that faction said, “The governor joined the structure currently recognised by INEC for administrative purposes. There is no illegality in his decision.”
However, the Imumolen camp has faulted the move. A spokesperson for the faction stated, “The law is clear. The court has spoken. Any alignment outside the judgment of the FCT High Court is legally defective.”
Reacting, constitutional lawyer Dr. Kunle Adegoke warned that the situation could expose the governor to future legal complications. “Political convenience cannot override a subsisting court judgment. If unresolved, this may affect the validity of future party processes,” he said.
Analysts say the development underscores the importance of legal clarity in political realignments, particularly for an incumbent governor seeking a stable platform for future political ambitions.
Adeleke’s Defection to Accord Raises Legal Questions Amid Party Leadership Crisis
