The Accord Party on Tuesday declared that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the courts recognise Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem as its authentic National Chairman, insisting that the party’s leadership question has been definitively resolved.
The clarification was made at a world press conference held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, where Mgbudem addressed the media on the party’s leadership structure and internal processes.
According to the party, its position is grounded in its constitution, an INEC‑monitored national convention, and subsisting court rulings.
“The party is focused and unwavering in its commitment to democratic values, ethics, ethos, ideology and internal democracy,” Mgbudem said.
He stressed that the Accord National Convention, held in July 2024 in Abuja, was conducted in compliance with the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC guidelines, noting that the commission monitored the exercise.
“Barr Maxwell Mgbudem‑led National Working Committee (NWC) was duly and properly elected and sworn‑in at the convention,” he added.
Mgbudem also referenced court proceedings arising from earlier disputes over the party’s leadership, saying that interim orders had been widely misunderstood.
“There are a lot of deliberate confusions caused. Processes and rules of court must be adhered to,” he said, quoting a judicial ruling, “Interim Orders lapse after seven days… and a status quo to be maintained pending the outcomes of the Motion on Notice.”
He said this ruling demonstrates that the matter is being properly handled within the legal framework.
On internal discipline, Mgbudem said the party’s Disciplinary Committee investigated allegations of misconduct against affected members and made recommendations in line with the party’s constitution.
“The committee found him guilty of the allegations levelled against him and recommended his expulsion from the party,” he stated.
He added that the National Executive Committee (NEC) reviewed the report and subsequently passed a vote of confidence in Mgbudem’s leadership.
“NEC passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Barr Maxwell Mgbudem as the authentic National Chairman of Accord,” he said.
Mgbudem further cited a ruling by the FCT High Court, which struck out a suit challenging the party’s leadership.
“The law is settled that internal affairs of political parties such as congresses, appointment or removal of officers, and disciplinary actions are matters best left to the party itself, being a voluntary association governed by its own constitution,” the court held.
Despite the disputes, Mgbudem said the party remains undistracted from its electoral goals.
“We are focused on winning Osun, Ekiti, FCT Council polls, and preparing for the 2027 general election,” he said.