A faction of the Accord Party, reportedly aligned with the party’s former 2023 presidential candidate, Professor Chris Imumolen, has criticized Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s recent defection, labeling it a “back-door entry” and asserting that it is “invalid.”

The governor formally announced his move to the Accord Party on Tuesday, citing ongoing disputes within his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

However, the Imumolen-led faction claims that Adeleke’s switch bypassed established party protocols, casting doubt on both the legality of his defection and his recent endorsement as the party’s governorship candidate.

According to insiders, speaking to TVC, the faction fears that such unilateral actions could undermine internal cohesion and exacerbate existing divisions within the party.

They caution that as elections draw closer, mishandled realignments may disrupt voter confidence and reshape political alliances in Osun State.

Despite the controversy, Adeleke officially secured the Accord Party governorship ticket for the 2026 elections following the party’s primary election on Wednesday. He reportedly won with 145 votes, while five ballots were voided, according to Abdulazeez Salaudeen, Secretary of the electoral committee.

Salaudeen announced the result, emphasizing the transparency of the process: “The electoral committee has delivered on its mandate. After voting and counting, witnessed by the agents of the candidates and officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission, I declare Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke as the winner of the primary.”

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As Adeleke prepares to lead Accord in the upcoming governorship race, the internal rift highlighted by the Imumolen faction signals potential challenges ahead for party unity and electoral strategy.