Accord Party expels its 2023 presidential candidate over ?gross misconduct?

The Accord Party (AP) has expelled its 2023 presidential candidate, Christopher Imumolen, over allegations of gross misconduct. The decision was made by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) during a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday. Along with Imumolen, seven state chairpersons were also expelled, including Lanre Ogundare from Lagos, Surajo Ibrahim from Zamfara, Muktar Abdalla from Borno, and Dzingina Ephraim from Nasarawa. Other expelled chairpersons are Salimu Boyi from Katsina, Fatima Zarumi from Yobe, and Abdullahi Kasowa from Bauchi.

The NEC also dismissed Abiola Odeoba, former chairman of Ekiti, Falaye Ajibola, ex-chairman of Ondo, and Adebisi Ganiy. The expulsions followed the recommendations of a seven-member disciplinary committee tasked with investigating the alleged misconduct of the party officials. According to a communiqué issued after the meeting, the NEC endorsed the disciplinary measures, citing violations of the party’s constitution, including engaging in anti-party activities, factionalizing the party, and bringing it into disrepute.

The party leadership emphasized the importance of adhering to the party’s constitution and maintaining order to avoid anarchy. The NEC also passed a vote of confidence in the national chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, and encouraged him to continue focusing on rebuilding and strengthening the party. The NEC further welcomed back members previously suspended or expelled under Imumolen’s leadership and launched a “massive membership drive” to reposition the party as a key player in Nigeria’s democratic process.