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The national leadership of the Accord Party on Monday threw its weight behind Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, urging voters to return him for a second term in the August 15 governorship election while challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prove its readiness for the 2027 general elections by conducting a credible poll.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its National Chairman, Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, the party declared that Adeleke’s performance in office had earned him the mandate for continuity, insisting that his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and workers’ welfare had positioned him for what it described as a landslide victory.
Accord maintained that the governor had demonstrated resilience and administrative capacity despite alleged attempts by anti-democratic forces to frustrate his administration through the withholding of local government allocations, arguing that his leadership had sustained political stability and accelerated development across the state.
The party appealed to Osun residents to troop out in large numbers to vote, saying the election presents an opportunity to consolidate what it described as the gains of Adeleke’s people-centred governance and ensure the continued delivery of democratic dividends.
Accord also warned voters against selling their votes, describing vote buying and inducements as a betrayal of the state’s future and urging citizens to reject what it termed “electoral porridge” in all its forms.
The party called on INEC and security agencies to remain neutral, impartial and professional before, during and after the election, stressing that the credibility of the electoral process depends on the sanctity of the ballot box and respect for the will of the electorate.
It insisted that every valid vote must count and be reflected in the final declaration of results, warning against any action capable of undermining public confidence in the democratic process.
Accord further described the Osun governorship election as a critical test of INEC’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections, insisting that the commission has had sufficient time to prepare and must deliver a free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive exercise without operational failures.
According to the party, the outcome of the poll will significantly shape public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system, adding that the electoral umpire has another opportunity to strengthen its credibility by conducting an election that truly reflects the wishes of the people.
