2027 opposition coalition faces set back as Accord Party denies involvement in single-candidate plan
Plans by opposition political parties to present a single presidential candidate in the 2027 general election appear to be facing early cracks as the Accord Party has denied any involvement
Plans by opposition political parties to present a single presidential candidate in the 2027 general election appear to be facing early cracks as the Accord Party has denied any involvement in the coalition arrangement.
The African Action Congress (AAC) and its founder, Omoyele Sowore, had earlier also distanced themselves from the reported agreement to back a unified presidential candidate against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
At a summit held in Ibadan over the weekend, attended by officials linked to the David Mark-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), opposition figures had announced a resolution to field a joint presidential candidate in 2027.
However, the National Publicity Secretary of Accord, Joseph Omorogbe, dismissed claims that the party was part of the meeting or the agreement.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, Omorogbe said Accord neither attended nor endorsed the coalition discussions.
“Accord is not aware of the coalition meeting and did not send any member to represent the party, let alone endorse the resolutions reached, including fielding a joint candidate in the 2027 presidential election,” he said.
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He added that it was “imprudent and unjust” to associate the party with a coalition it was not part of.
“The party strongly condemns the organisers for adding its name in the list of political parties that participated in the meeting conscious of the fact that the national leadership of Accord was not involved in anyway.
“Accordingly, the Barr. Maxwell Mgbuden's leadership of Accord dissociates itself from the Ibadan political summit and warns politicians to desist from any action that will heat up the polity ahead of the 2027 polls.
“Political parties are free to form a coalition that will produce a joint presidential candidate which should be restricted to the parties involved. Accord is embarrassed by the reckless action of the organisers and demands that its name be expunged immediately.
“The party is focused on winning the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls, preparing for the 2027 general election, and will not be distracted by the intrigues of anti-democratic forces.
“The party urges citizens to be in one accord. Together, we will build a stronger, better and greater democratic society future generations will be proud of.”
