INEC disowns parallel Accord Party primary in Osun, affirming Governor Ademola Adeleke as the sole legal candidate for 2026 governorship election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has disassociated itself from a reported parallel primary conducted by a faction of the Accord Party, which allegedly produced Bamigbola Clement as its governorship candidate for the August 8, 2026, election.
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The clarification was made on Sunday in Osogbo, the state capital.
The factional primary took place in Osogbo, beginning with the accreditation of delegates and a heavy security presence, including armed police operatives.
Bamigbola Clement, the sole aspirant presented, confirmed his emergence, describing it as a consensus decision.
However, INEC Public Relations Officer Musa Olurode stated the commission was unaware of the exercise.
“We have monitored the only Accord Party primary a few days ago. The report has been submitted. INEC is not aware of any other party’s primary,” he said.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who also contested the Accord Party primary, was confirmed as the party’s legitimate candidate after polling 145 out of 150 votes cast by delegates from all 30 local government areas in Osun.
Five votes were voided. Abdulazeez Salaudeen, Secretary of the electoral committee, declared Adeleke the winner, noting the process complied with INEC observation requirements.
Reacting to the factional primary, Accord Party caretaker Chairman in Osun State, Babalola Akande, condemned the exercise, describing those behind it as unrecognised by the party.
Speaking to journalists, Akande reiterated that Adeleke remains the legally nominated governorship candidate.
“This position is incontestable, irreversible, and firmly grounded in law, having emerged through due process in accordance with the Accord Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and established judicial precedents,” Akande said.
He further warned that any attempt to legitimise the factional exercise would face judicial intervention.
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“Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke is the sole and legally recognised governorship candidate of the Accord in Osun State. No parallel structure, no impersonator, and no contrived spectacle can alter this legal reality,” Akande added.
