Accord Presidential Candidate Withdraws From 2027 Race, Endorses Tinubu for Second Term

The factional presidential candidate and National Chairman of the Accord Party, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, has withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race and declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Speaking at a news conference in Lagos on Friday, Imumolen said the decision followed extensive consultations with the party’s leadership and members, stressing that national interest should always take precedence over personal political ambition.

According to him, President Tinubu is well positioned to secure victory in the 2027 election because of his ongoing reforms, leadership style and the growing support he has attracted across the country.

He argued that although Nigerians are facing economic challenges, many are beginning to recognise the long-term benefits of the administration’s policies.

“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,” Imumolen said.

He maintained that replacing the current administration in 2027 would interrupt ongoing reforms and force a new government to start afresh.

“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,” he added.

Imumolen said Tinubu’s reform agenda closely aligns with the manifesto of his faction of the Accord Party, particularly in the areas of economic transformation, education, industrialisation, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment and national development.

He disclosed that the party based its endorsement on ten key considerations after reviewing the administration’s performance and Nigeria’s future needs.

Among the reasons he listed were the President’s willingness to implement difficult economic reforms, his leadership capacity, commitment to progressive governance, youth empowerment initiatives, appointments of younger Nigerians into strategic positions, and the need for continuity in governance.

Imumolen also said the endorsement reflected the party’s belief that sustaining existing reforms would promote political stability, strengthen democratic institutions and accelerate national development.

He acknowledged that he had previously criticised the Tinubu administration but said his assessment had changed after observing its leadership and policy direction over the past 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.

The Accord chairman further claimed that no opposition presidential aspirant, including those from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or the National Democratic Congress (NDC), currently possesses a stronger electoral prospect than Tinubu.

He praised the administration for appointing young Nigerians into important public offices, describing the move as evidence of the President’s confidence in the younger generation.

According to him, his own political ambition has always been motivated by service rather than the desire to occupy public office.

“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.

Imumolen dismissed suggestions that the endorsement resulted from political weakness, insisting it was based solely on performance and the belief that continuity would better serve Nigeria’s interests.

He added that while the party would not field a presidential candidate in 2027, it would continue to participate actively in governorship, legislative and other elections across the country.