Deregistration: We’ll be on 2027 ballot, Accord vows

By Luminous Jannamike

Accord on Monday rejected the Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of five political parties, insisting that it remains a legally recognised political platform and will participate in the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections as well as the 2027 general election.

The party said it would appeal the ruling, arguing that the judgment was delivered despite a subsisting Court of Appeal order staying proceedings in the matter.

It also maintained that its electoral record satisfies constitutional and electoral requirements and that preparations for future elections remain on course.

The position was contained in a statement signed by Accord National Chairman, Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem.

“Accord assures its members, candidates and supporters that the party will be on ballot in the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, and the 2027 general election,” Mgbudem said.

Describing the judgment as a ‘travesty of justice’, the party argued that the Federal High Court ought not to have proceeded to deliver judgment while the case was before the appellate court.

“It is curious that the Federal High Court would proceed to deliver judgment on a matter before the appellant court that had granted a stay of proceedings, aware that the delivery of the judgment was part of the proceedings of the court,” the statement said.

Accord said its legal team had already commenced steps to overturn the ruling.

“Accordingly, Accord will challenge the contentious judgment hurriedly delivered in disobedience of the appellant court order. The party’s legal team has commenced action to overturn the ruling,” Mgbudem stated.

Beyond challenging the judgment, the party argued that it was not affected by the suit instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators, maintaining that its electoral performance places it within the requirements of the law.

“More importantly, Accord is not affected in the suit filed by the so-called National Forum of Former Legislators as the party won two councillorship elections in Jigawa State which fulfilled extant constitutional and electoral frameworks,” the statement added.

Accord also framed its appeal as part of a broader effort to protect Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system, warning against actions it believes could undermine constitutional governance.

“The court is the temple of justice governed by the rule of law and due process, not fiat,” Mgbudem said.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to “uphold the rule of law, promote multiparty democracy in Nigeria and resist any attempt to undermine the nation’s hard-earned constitutional governance.”

Despite the court ruling, Accord said its political activities would continue uninterrupted, including preparations for forthcoming elections and the launch of its Imole Campaign in Osun State on Tuesday.

“The party will continue its preparation for the upcoming elections, particularly the flag off of the Imole campaign scheduled for Tuesday, 16th June 2026, in Osun State,” Mgbudem said.

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