By Luminous Jannamike
A faction of the Accord Party has elected Prof. Christopher Imumolen as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, giving the former presidential contender another opportunity to test his appeal on the national stage as political parties begin positioning for the next electoral cycle.
The move gives the faction a presidential flag-bearer as smaller parties seek to expand their relevance ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 election.
The development was announced in a statement signed by the faction’s National Secretary, Mallam Muktar Abdullah, following the party’s Special National Convention in Lagos.
According to the statement, delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory participated in the convention, where Imumolen emerged through a consensus process endorsed by party stakeholders from across the country.
The faction said the nomination marks Imumolen’s return to the presidential race after contesting the 2023 election and argued that he enters the new contest with stronger grassroots structures and a broader national reach.
Party leaders also pointed to his support among younger members, saying his candidacy could help attract more young voters and professionals to the party ahead of the election.
In his acceptance speech, Imumolen thanked delegates for their support and described his emergence as both a call to service and a reflection of the will of party members.
He pledged that an Accord-led administration would confront unemployment, tackle insecurity and pursue economic reforms aimed at creating opportunities and reducing poverty.
“I have rightfully emerged as the candidate for Accord. The list will now be submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and we await their official publication of the candidates later this September,” Imumolen said.
The faction reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, equity and transparency, saying measures had been put in place to address disagreements arising from the primary process and maintain party unity.
It also announced plans to unveil a comprehensive socio-economic agenda in the coming weeks, outlining its proposals for tackling the country’s economic and social challenges.
The faction called on Nigerians, particularly young people and professionals, to support its vision for national development.
The nomination formally places Imumolen in the 2027 presidential race as political parties intensify preparations for the next general election.
