The factional presidential candidate and National Chairman of the Accord Party, Christopher Imumolen, has withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race and endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
Imumolen announced his decision at a press conference in Lagos on Friday, saying it followed extensive consultations with the leadership and members of the party.
He said the decision was based on what he described as the need to put national interest ahead of personal ambition and partisan considerations. He also cited Tinubu’s reforms, leadership style and growing support across the country as factors behind the endorsement.
According to Imumolen, Nigerians are gradually beginning to appreciate the long-term benefits of the administration’s reform programme despite the economic difficulties currently confronting the country.
“Tinubu will win because of his people-oriented programmes and the massive support he has received from different parts of the country.”
The former presidential aspirant argued that a change of government in 2027 could interrupt the current reform process and require a new administration to start the process afresh.
“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 said.
Imumolen said his endorsement followed an assessment of the Tinubu administration based on 10 considerations, including the President’s willingness to implement difficult economic reforms, leadership capacity and commitment to continuing development projects.
He also cited the administration’s focus on youth empowerment, efforts to address the generational leadership gap and the appointment of competent Nigerians to strategic government positions.
Other considerations, he said, included Tinubu’s prioritisation of national interest, the importance of policy continuity and political stability, as well as the need to sustain the reforms already underway.
Imumolen said the Accord Party’s early endorsement was intended to demonstrate transparency, arguing that collaboration in the national interest could strengthen democracy and accelerate development.
He further claimed that no opposition presidential candidate, including those expected to contest under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), currently has a stronger prospect of defeating Tinubu in 2027.
The Accord leader also praised Tinubu for creating opportunities for younger Nigerians to participate in governance through appointments to strategic positions.
Imumolen maintained that his political ambition had always been driven by a desire to serve Nigeria rather than simply occupy public office, saying his withdrawal was therefore consistent with his belief that national interest should take precedence over personal aspirations.
He added that policy continuity was essential to attracting investment, creating jobs, strengthening institutions and preserving the reforms already in progress.
Imumolen dismissed suggestions that the endorsement was influenced by the party’s weak political structure, insisting that the decision followed its assessment of the administration and what it considered to be in Nigeria’s best interest.
He maintained that the Accord Party’s support for Tinubu was driven by national interest, continuity and development, rather than personal or partisan considerations.
