Adeleke and Davido Defection Sparks Accord Party Leadership Crisis

The recent political movement involving Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and his globally recognised Afrobeats relative David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has sparked a wave of internal unrest within the Accord Party, reigniting unresolved disputes over national leadership control.

Governor Adeleke officially moved into the Accord Party on December 10, immediately securing the party’s governorship ticket for Osun State. Days later, Davido publicly confirmed his alignment with the same party, a development that quickly drew national attention due to his massive influence across youth and entertainment circles.

However, instead of strengthening unity, their entrance has widened existing cracks. Multiple groups within the Accord Party have now surfaced, each asserting authority over the party’s national structure. At the centre of the SEO-driven political storm is a growing disagreement over whether Adeleke’s entry and candidacy complied with the party’s constitutional guidelines.

The situation escalated following comments from Chris Imumolen, the party’s presidential flag bearer during the 2023 general election, who insists he remains the legitimate National Chairman of the Accord Party. According to Imumolen, Adeleke’s defection failed to follow established internal procedures, rendering his candidacy questionable.

In reaction, Rev. Isaac Adeniyi, a former Board of Trustees member who now identifies as the party’s National Coordinator, rejected Imumolen’s claims outright. Adeniyi criticised the statements, describing them as irresponsible, and clarified that Imumolen’s remarks do not reflect the party’s official position.

Adding another layer to the confusion, a review of records on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) platform shows Maxwell Mgbudem listed as the current National Chairman of the Accord Party, contradicting Imumolen’s position.

Speaking during an interview with Saturday MSINT MEDIA, Imumolen stood firm, alleging that rival groups were receiving support from compromised elements within INEC. He argued that those currently listed were initially appointed as interim caretakers and should not be recognised as substantive leaders.

Imumolen further claimed that Adeleke’s entrance occurred through unofficial channels, stating that the party already had an existing governorship candidate in Osun State before Adeleke’s arrival. He warned that this procedural gap could be exploited in court by opposing parties.

Despite his reservations about the governor’s move, Imumolen welcomed Davido’s decision to align with the party, describing it as a strategic advantage due to the singer’s public appeal and visibility.

He concluded by cautioning that even if Adeleke wins the election, unresolved legal and structural issues within the party could threaten the validity of such victory.