20th of July, 2026

They can buy set of people but they can’t buy general public, Justice must surely prevailed……………..!

RE: RESPONSE TO THE PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE OSUN STATE CHAPTER OF ACCORD DATED 16TH JULY, 2026

My attention has been drawn to the press statement issued by the Osun State Chairman of Accord, Pastor Victor Babalola Akande, concerning the candidature for the Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa (AYIWOLA) Federal Constituency.

I wish to state respectfully that I did not at any time “lay claim” to the party’s candidature. Rather, I have consistently maintained that I am entitled to the candidature based on the provisions of the Accord Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

As a bona fide member of Accord, I have faithfully paid my annual dues, invested my time and resources in building the party, purchased the party’s nomination form, successfully underwent the screening process, and participated in the primary election conducted under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where I emerged victorious.

If the State Chairman has any doubts regarding these facts, I respectfully encourage him to seek clarification from the Accord National Working Committee in Abuja, which is in a better position to provide the complete records of the nomination process.

I also wish to respectfully remind the State Chairman that the party is expected to follow its internal dispute resolution mechanisms and uphold the principles of fairness, impartiality, and due process. As the leader of the party in Osun State, it would have been more appropriate to invite all concerned parties for dialogue before issuing a public statement that appears to take sides, particularly when I remain a committed member of the party.

It is equally important to note that while political parties conduct their internal affairs, they operate within the framework of the Electoral Act and the Constitution. No political party is above the law, and where disputes arise, the appropriate legal and constitutional processes should be allowed to take their course.

Despite the current situation, I remain humble, loyal, and committed to the ideals of Accord. My desire has always been to strengthen our party and contribute to its success. I remain ready to work with all candidates and stakeholders in the collective interest of ensuring victory for His Excellency, Ademola Adeleke in August 2026 and for Accord in the 2027 general elections.

I therefore appeal to all our members and supporters to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and confident in the due process of the law. I believe that truth, justice, and fairness will ultimately prevail.

Engr. Ayodeji Lukman Bello

Accord Party Candidate

AYIWOLA Federal Constituency