Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Factional National Chairman of the Accord Party and former presidential candidate, Professor Chris Imumolen, has raised a red flag over what he described as growing threats to his personal safety and that of his family members, appealing to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to caution his associates and supporters against acts of intimidation, harassment, or violence. Imumolen, who made the appeal in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, August 24, 2026, said his attention had been drawn to developments and circumstances that had caused him serious concern about his security and that of people connected to him. He urged both security agencies and the Osun governor to act swiftly to prevent potential political violence, stressing that his political engagements in the state were driven by his commitment to advancing the party and democratic values, rather than initiating a personal conflict.
Imumolen, who leads one of the factions in the ongoing leadership crisis rocking the Accord Party, said he was making the appeal in the spirit of peace and responsibility. "I seek no confrontation with Adeleke or anyone else," he declared, adding that he was not an indigene of Osun State and that his interest in the state was principally connected to his commitment to the development of the Accord Party, the protection of its political interests, and the advancement of democratic values. He insisted that his political views and interventions should not be interpreted as a personal declaration of war against anyone, while affirming his constitutional right as a Nigerian to participate in political activities without fear or coercion.
The factional chairman, whose claim to the party's leadership is anchored on judicial orders and is fiercely contested by the Maxwell Mgbudem-led faction, also made it clear that he had not authorised anyone to engage in violence, threats, or confrontation on his behalf. "I believe political disagreements should be resolved through dialogue, democratic processes and the rule of law," he said. Imumolen further clarified that the expression of his security concerns and the appeal were not an accusation but a precautionary measure. He urged law enforcement agencies to conduct an immediate, transparent and independent investigation should any harm or security breach occur involving him, his family, or his associates.
The factional Accord leader stressed that his statement did not constitute a direct accusation against any individual regarding future occurrences but served as a plea for peace, fairness, and mutual respect among political actors in the state. He called on all political stakeholders in Osun to prioritise dialogue, restraint, and the rule of law over political intimidation, warning that "no political disagreement should ever become a justification for intimidation, violence or the endangerment of human life". "I seek no war. I seek only justice, fairness, peace and the freedom to pursue the development of Accord without intimidation or fear," Imumolen declared.
The development adds a new layer of tension to the already volatile political landscape in Osun State, where Governor Ademola Adeleke, who secured re-election on the Accord Party platform on August 15, 2026, is now caught in the crossfire of the party's leadership crisis. Imumolen's faction has consistently insisted that it remains the only legitimate executive structure of the party, while the Mgbudem-led group, which backs Adeleke, has dismissed Imumolen's claims and described his endorsement of the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate during the Osun election as the action of an expelled member and a political hireling. The factional chairman had earlier warned that Adeleke faces legal and political risks arising from the party's unresolved leadership tussle, noting that the issue confronting the governor extended beyond securing votes. "The ballot may produce a winner, but the court will determine the legal consequences," Imumolen had said.
Imumolen's appeal to Adeleke comes amid escalating rhetoric between his faction and the governor's camp. He recently slammed Adeleke's campaign spokesperson for dismissing President Bola Tinubu's role in the governor's electoral victory, describing the claim as "ungrateful and pretentious". The factional chairman insisted that Tinubu's restraint played a role in securing Adeleke's re-election, advising the governor and his supporters to acknowledge the President's democratic disposition rather than dismiss it. This latest clash over security concerns suggests that the political rivalry between the two Accord factions is far from resolved and may be escalating beyond the courtroom and the ballot box.
The leadership crisis in the Accord Party predates Adeleke's entry into the party and has been a subject of litigation even before the governor joined the platform to contest the Osun election. The dispute, which dates back to the party's 2024 national convention, remains before the courts, and Imumolen has repeatedly said that the legal battle is separate from the Osun electoral contest. However, the intersection of the leadership dispute with the political realities of Osun State has created a volatile mix, with Imumolen now fearing for his safety as he continues to assert his claim to the party's leadership. The factional chairman's appeal to Governor Adeleke to restrain his supporters underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential for political violence if the crisis is not managed carefully.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the Accord Party's internal wrangling poses a significant challenge to Governor Adeleke's political future and his ability to consolidate his re-election victory. The governor, who won a second term with 511,067 votes against the APC's 444,815, now faces the prospect of a protracted legal battle over the party's leadership, which could potentially undermine his political foundation. Imumolen has warned that a court victory for his faction could have far-reaching implications for the political foundation upon which Adeleke contested, raising questions about the legitimacy of his candidacy if the party's leadership is ultimately determined to be in the hands of a rival faction. The factional chairman's security concerns, whether genuine or politically motivated, add a new dimension to the crisis and highlight the dangers of unresolved party disputes in Nigeria's increasingly volatile political environment.
In the face of these mounting tensions, Imumolen has called on security agencies to be vigilant and to investigate any harm that may come to him or his associates. He has also urged all political actors in Osun State to embrace restraint, peace, and democratic engagement. "I believe political disagreements should be resolved through dialogue, democratic processes and the rule of law," he reiterated, appealing to Governor Adeleke to use his influence to ensure that his political associates and followers refrain from any action that could endanger him or anyone connected to him. As the Accord Party's leadership crisis continues to unfold, the safety of political actors and the integrity of the democratic process in Osun State hang in the balance. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the crisis will be resolved through the courts or whether it will descend into further acrimony and potential violence.
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