On Wednesday, November 20, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Accord Party approved the expulsion and suspension of several members for alleged misconduct, including the party’s former presidential candidate, Professor Christopher Imumolen.
Maxwell Mgbudem, the National Chairman, and Adebukola A. Ajaja, the National Secretary, made the announcement in a communique following a meeting at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. The decision came after a report from the 7-man Disciplinary Committee, which investigated allegations of gross misconduct, anti-party activities, and violations of the party’s constitution.
According to the communique, eight members were expelled, and three others were suspended for violating specific provisions of the party’s constitution (Article 20A). The expelled members include Professor Imumolen, former presidential candidate; Comrade Lanre Ogundare, Lagos State chairman; Surajo Ibrahim, Zamfara State chairman; Muktar Abdalla, Borno State chairman; Chief Abiola Samuel Odeoba, former Ekiti State chairman; Dr. Falaye Ajibola, former Ondo State chairman; Prince Adebisi Wale Ganiy; and Dzingina Jacob Ephraim, Nasarawa State chairman.
Suspended members include Salimu Lawal Boyi, Katsina State chairman; Fatima Mohammed Zarumi, Acting Yobe State chairman; and Abdullahi Isa Kasowa, Bauchi State chairman.
The NEC emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and order within the party, warning against any actions that could lead to chaos or lawlessness. The party reaffirmed its commitment to upholding its constitution, stating that the party’s leadership is supreme and must be respected.
In addition, the NEC passed a vote of confidence in Maxwell Mgbudem as the legitimate National Chairman of the party. They also called for the return of any members misled by Professor Imumolen, who had allegedly attempted to destabilize the party by instigating rebellion and discontent among loyal members.
The NEC also addressed a court ruling, noting that an interim order obtained by Professor Imumolen had been vacated by the court on September 4, 2024. The court also ordered the expulsion of those who had taken over the party’s national secretariat, effectively ending their plot to disrupt the party’s operations.
Finally, the NEC reassured members that there is no faction within the party and urged them to remain united in one Accord. The members of the Disciplinary Committee who investigated the allegations were Emeka Uwakolam (Chairman), Bishop Benson Ijachi (Secretary), Gabriel Almond Kubua, Yusuf A. Training, Hassan Bello, Ndubuisi Paschal Ani, and Adeniyi A. Philip.
