INTERVIEW: Accord Party solidly positioned in Osun, says chairman Victor Akande
Against the backdrop of recent political tension in Osun State, marked by party realignments, legal disputes over leadership structures and disagreements over local government administration, the Chairman of the Accord Party in the state, Pastor Victor Akande, speaks with Western Post correspondent, Deborah Oladejo, on the party’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the next governorship election, governance under Governor Ademola Adeleke, internal party issues and broader political developments.
Excerpts:
As Chairman of the Accord Party in Osun State, how would you describe the party’s structure and preparation ahead of the governorship election?
Accord Party has a solid structure across all local governments and units in Osun State. We are intensifying grassroots mobilisation, particularly in the area of publicity, to ensure our members and the general public are well informed. A major focus is making people aware that Governor Ademola Adeleke is now a member of the Accord Party, so voters can correctly identify and vote for our party on the ballot, especially our aged fathers and mothers in rural communities.
How does the party plan to reach people in rural areas who may not have access to social media or electricity?
We have established a Community Enlightenment Committee to visit rural communities where access to social media and electricity is limited. Their responsibility is to inform residents about current developments in Osun State, highlight the achievements of the Governor and educate them on how to vote for our party.
Do you think that the APC governorship candidate poses any threat to Accord in Osun State?
With due respect, the APC candidate is not a threat to us. The people of Osun State know what APC represented during its time in government and the suffering experienced by the populace. They were rejected because of the hardship they imposed on the state.
Can you highlight some of the issues you associate with the previous APC administration in Osun?
One major issue was the payment of half salaries, which caused severe hardship, particularly for pensioners who could not afford medication, leading to loss of lives. Cooperative funds were squandered and there were numerous abandoned projects across the state.
How would you assess the performance of the current administration?
Since the present administration came on board three years ago, there has been significant transformation across the state. A clear example is the Oke-Fia flyover. Developmental projects are spread across all parts of Osun State, which explains the wide acceptance and support Governor Ademola Adeleke enjoys.
Are you confident about Accord’s chances in the next governorship election? If yes, why?
APC has already been rejected by the people, as demonstrated in the 2022 election. By the grace of God, by August 2028, it will be even clearer that APC has become persona non grata in Osun State. The governor’s achievements speak for themselves, and he has exceeded expectations.
How would you describe the relationship between your party and other political parties?
Accord maintains cordial relationships with all political parties. During our primary election on December 10, 2025, representatives of 14 political parties were present in solidarity with the current administration. As Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Osun State, I relate with all parties because no reasonable person would want the good work of this Governor to be disrupted.
What is your party’s position on the perceived misinformation enhanced by social media?
We educate our members to ensure that anything posted on social media can be substantiated with evidence. While lack of proof does not always mean an event did not occur, it is important to act responsibly. We encourage investigation and caution both party members and the public against spreading unverified information.
There have been reports of a leadership crisis within the Accord Party. How true is this?
There is no leadership crisis in Accord Party. Like any political organisation, disagreements may arise, but they are resolved with wisdom. Our national convention was held in Abuja in July 2024, and Prof. Chris Imumolem did not participate in the screening process for party positions. He later obtained an ex parte order directing INEC to recognise him as chairman, but the order was vacated the following day, with the court ordering a return to the status quo.
Subsequent court rulings, including one delivered on July 17, 2025, struck out his case. He did not appeal the judgment, and the time allowed for appeal has elapsed. Barrister Maxwell Ngbudem remains the authentic National Chairman recognised by INEC. He uploaded candidates’ data for primaries in Anambra and Ekiti States, which INEC accepted. This is verifiable on the INEC portal.
Who is the governorship candidate of Accord Party in Osun State?
Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke is the sole and undisputed governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Osun State. Claims circulating on social media about other candidates are false and misleading.
In respect to recent events, what is your position on the local government crisis in Osun State?
The local government issue affects everyone. The tenure of the so-called “Yes or No” chairmen expired on October 22, 2025, as stated by the court. Remaining in office without a valid court order is illegal. Police protection cannot turn illegality into legality. Politics should be practised with civility, bearing in mind that, irrespective of party affiliation, we all belong to the same society.
