The Accord Party has withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race and endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, with the party’s factional National Chairman and former presidential candidate, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, stating that the decision came after consultations with party leaders and members.
He announced the decision at a news conference in Lagos on Friday, saying the party believed continuity in government would best serve Nigeria’s national interest and help continue reforms already under way.
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Imumolen said his personal ambition could not come before what he believed was best for the country. He also said the party would not present a presidential candidate in the 2027 election because it believed continuing with the present administration would help consolidate ongoing reforms.
“Our only objective is to support what we believe is good for Nigeria and secure a better future for ourselves and our children,” he said.
Why the party backed Tinubu
Imumolen said the party reviewed the administration’s record and Nigeria’s development needs before arriving at its decision. He listed 10 reasons for supporting Tinubu, including what he called courage in carrying out difficult economic reforms, leadership capacity, continuity of development projects, youth empowerment, generational leadership, appointments of competent people into public offices, putting national interest first, policy continuity, political stability, transparency through an early endorsement and cooperation in the national interest.
He said Tinubu’s programmes were in line with his own manifesto, especially in economic transformation, education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, industrialisation and national development.
“Tinubu will win because of his people-oriented programmes and the massive support he has received from different parts of the country.
“There is focus. Let us forget about the challenges of inflation and security. There must be progress.
“If another person comes in 2027, he will have to start all over again.
“There must be continuity. He has identified the challenges, and we need to move from where we are to the next phase. That is why we are supporting him, and he will win. My support is total,” Imumolen said.
He also said he had changed his opinion after watching the administration over time.
“Over the last four years, I was one of those who criticised the President. However, I have also witnessed his leadership style and the progress his administration has made,” he said.
Party to remain active in other elections
Imumolen dismissed suggestions that the endorsement was caused by weak political structures. He insisted the decision was based on the administration’s performance and what the party believed would benefit the country.
He said announcing the endorsement well ahead of the election was intended to give members and supporters a clear understanding of the party’s position.
He also maintained that the Accord Party would continue to contest governorship, legislative and other elections across Nigeria even though it would not present a presidential candidate.
Imumolen said no opposition presidential hopeful, including those from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), had better prospects than Tinubu in the 2027 election.
He praised the President for appointing young Nigerians into important public positions, saying the appointments showed confidence in the country’s younger generation.
“I believe President Bola Tinubu is uniquely positioned to provide a seamless transition between Nigeria’s founding democratic leadership and the emerging generation of transformational leaders,” he said.
Imumolen also said his political ambition had always been based on service to the country.
“My aspiration has always been to serve Nigeria and not merely to occupy political office.
“Whenever the national interest is better served through unity and strategic collaboration, I will always choose Nigeria above personal interest,” he said.
He also said continuity in government was important for attracting investment, creating jobs, strengthening institutions and sustaining ongoing reforms.
Imumolen said there was “no hidden agenda” behind the endorsement. He said the party reached the decision after consultations with its leadership and members and believed supporting Tinubu’s second-term bid was the best option for Nigeria at this time.
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