The Osun State chapter of the Accord party has strongly condemned a call by federal lawmaker Wole Oke for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party. The party views this alleged action, disseminated via social media, as a deliberate attempt to mislead the electoral body and force an unlawful decision against its legal standing. This controversy has ignited a fierce political debate, highlighting tensions ahead of future elections in the state.
Honourable Wole Oke, who represents the Obokun–Oriade Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, reportedly posted on his social media platforms, urging INEC to act swiftly. His statement cited Sections 225A and 84(16) of the Electoral Act 2022, asserting that Accord should be deregistered due to a lack of elected officials in any office across Nigeria, implying non-performance as a basis for its removal from the political landscape.
In a robust statement released on Sunday, Pastor Victor Akande, the Osun State Chairman of Accord, dismissed Oke’s claims as unfounded and misleading. Akande vehemently affirmed that Accord remains a fully registered political entity, having meticulously complied with all constitutional and statutory requirements stipulated under the Electoral Act. The party maintains its legal right to operate and participate in the nation’s democratic processes.
Accord explicitly linked the deregistration call to a perceived scheme to impede Governor Ademola Adeleke’s political ambitions. The party alleged that the primary objective behind Oke’s move was to prevent Governor Adeleke from seeking re-election for the Osun governorship seat, scheduled for August 8, 2026, under the Accord platform. This accusation elevates the dispute beyond a mere administrative matter to a strategic political maneuver.
Countering the “non-performance” claim, Accord underscored its consistent participation in elections throughout Nigeria, asserting that it has not only met but frequently exceeded the conditions mandated for registered political parties. The party highlighted its widespread presence and engagement in various electoral cycles, presenting this as irrefutable evidence of its legitimacy and compliance with electoral regulations.
The Independent National Electoral Commission holds significant powers regarding the registration and deregistration of political parties, as outlined in the Electoral Act. Sections like 225A empower INEC to deregister parties that fail to meet specific criteria, such as winning at least one seat in an election or failing to maintain a functional national office. Such powers are crucial for streamlining the political landscape but must be exercised judiciously and within legal bounds.
Oke’s social media post, made on Saturday, quickly garnered widespread attention and sparked considerable reactions across various political factions. The high profile of the federal lawmaker and the direct implication for a sitting governor’s future political aspirations amplified the controversy, turning it into a significant talking point within Nigerian political circles and on digital platforms.
Amidst the unfolding dispute, Accord’s leadership appealed to its members and supporters across Osun State to remain calm, composed, and steadfast in their political objectives. Pastor Akande urged them not to be distracted or unsettled by what he termed a baseless campaign, assuring them that the party would issue an appropriate and timely response to the allegations, reinforcing their commitment to due process.
The Accord party also issued a direct admonition to Honourable Wole Oke, urging him to cease attempts to embroil the party in unnecessary controversy and political disputes. Instead, the party advised the lawmaker to redirect his focus towards his primary legislative responsibilities and duties to his constituents within the Obokun–Oriade Federal Constituency, emphasizing the need for constructive governance over divisive rhetoric.
Reaffirming the party’s robust legal standing, Chairman Akande reiterated that Accord remains “solidly registered, legally grounded, and firmly rooted among the people.” This assertion aims to dispel any doubts about the party’s legitimacy and to reassure its base of its enduring presence and commitment to serving the electorate, positioning itself as a resilient force in Nigerian politics. The ongoing dispute underscores the volatile nature of pre-election politics and the importance of electoral integrity, with INEC potentially needing to clarify the legal standing of the involved parties.
