Accord Faction Takes Fight To Court Over Osun Primary

A faction of the Accord Party has dragged the party and its national leadership before an Abuja High Court, seeking to stop the upcoming Osun governorship primaries and to validate the suspension of National Chairman Maxwell Mgbudem.

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The suit, filed on December 3, lists the party, Mgbudem and the Independent National Electoral Commission as defendants.

LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT

The legal action was initiated by Oliver Bitrus, who argues that Mgbudem and his deputy, Okey Nwosu, were suspended for alleged anti-party actions. He claims that the faction has since appointed Chris Imumolen as the rightful leader based on an earlier Federal High Court ruling. Bitrus wants the court to strike out all notices issued under Mgbudem’s name, including those related to ward congresses and the Osun governorship primary.

LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT

Bitrus is asking the court to rule that only he, as acting chairman, has the authority to submit names of candidates to INEC. He also seeks an order stopping Mgbudem from carrying out any duty tied to the office of national chairman until the disciplinary process is concluded. His request includes restraining INEC from recognising any primary conducted under Mgbudem’s supervision.

The suit argues that the Constitution, Electoral Act and the Accord Party’s rules prevent a suspended chairman from signing statutory notices, holding meetings or setting up committees. Bitrus wants the court to rule on whether his nomination by the National Executive Committee on November 29 gives him legal backing to serve as acting chairman until a new leader emerges.

The filing raises questions about whether INEC can legally accept documents or primary results produced by a suspended officer. It stresses that any notice tied to the Osun primaries should be voided if issued by Mgbudem. The court has not fixed a hearing date, leaving the party’s preparations for the Osun governorship contest in uncertainty.