The recent defections of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and his cousin, Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, to the Accord Party have sparked fresh turbulence within the party, reigniting a fierce leadership dispute at the national level.

Adeleke officially joined the Accord Party on December 10, emerging as the party’s governorship candidate, while Davido announced his decision to join on Tuesday.

Their entries have exposed deep divisions within the party, with at least three factions claiming national leadership and disputing the legitimacy of Adeleke’s membership and candidature.

Former presidential candidate Chris Imumolen, who asserts he is the National Chairman, alleged that Adeleke’s defection did not follow the “due process” outlined in the party constitution.

In response, Rev. Isaac Adeniyi, a former member of the Board of Trustees and self-described National Coordinator, criticized Imumolen’s remarks, describing them as reckless and misleading.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website lists Maxwell Mgbudem as the Accord Party’s National Chairman.

In an interview, Imumolen maintained that he remains the lawful National Chairman and accused rival factions of operating with the backing of compromised INEC officials.

“Why are they now claiming National Chairmanship? They were caretaker committee members with ties to someone in INEC influencing the records,” he stated.

Imumolen further alleged that Adeleke joined “through the back door” and that the party already had a governorship candidate in Osun State. He welcomed Davido’s defection, calling it beneficial publicity for the party.

“We have our candidate, Clement. Even if Adeleke wins, legal challenges may prevent him from assuming the seat. Davido’s entry promotes Accord and boosts our visibility, despite arriving through another faction,” Imumolen added.

He also claimed that a court order recognized him as National Chairman, though its enforcement had been allegedly obstructed by vested interests.

Mgbudem, in a telephone interview, dismissed Imumolen’s and Adeniyi’s claims, stating they had been suspended and no longer represented the party.

“The defections of Adeleke and Davido are a positive development, demonstrating Accord’s stability and focus. Our primary election was properly conducted with INEC officials present, and Adeleke was granted a waiver to contest under the party platform. Imumolen is no longer a member and cannot speak for the party,” Mgbudem said.

He rejected claims of court recognition for Imumolen, alleging the order was fraudulently obtained, and denied Adeniyi’s leadership claims, noting that neither the position of National Coordinator nor a Board of Trustees exists within the party structure.

A source close to Adeniyi said he opted for silence due to a pending Court of Appeal case. The source added that the title of National Coordinator was used to reduce public confusion amid ongoing legal disputes, and that Adeniyi’s leadership involvement predates Imumolen’s tenure and Adeleke’s defection.

The source also suggested that Imumolen’s opposition to Adeleke’s defection may stem from fears of losing influence, as Adeleke’s political stature could significantly alter negotiations and power dynamics within the party.