Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s political future hangs in the balance as a factional chairman of the Accord party warns that the party’s leadership crisis could unravel the legal foundation of his governorship.
Professor Chris Imumolen, who leads a breakaway faction of Accord, issued the warning in a statement titled “Two Reasons Gov. Adeleke is Endorsing President Bola Tinubu,” released on Sunday. He argued that the governor’s recent alignment with President Tinubu is a strategic manoeuvre to sidestep political confrontation amid mounting legal uncertainty.
According to Prof. Imumolen, the governor faces a dual challenge: securing votes for the 2027 elections and navigating an unresolved leadership dispute between his faction and the Maxwell Mgbudem-led group. While the Mgbudem faction supports Mr Adeleke, Prof. Imumolen’s camp insists it remains the sole legitimate executive structure of the party.
“A court victory for our faction could have far-reaching implications for the political foundation upon which Governor Adeleke contested,” Prof. Imumolen stated.
He cautioned, however, that political assessments must be distinguished from established legal facts, noting that a court victory would not automatically remove the governor from office. The eventual outcome, he explained, would depend on explicit court orders, final judgements, and applicable provisions of the Electoral Act.
“What is clear is that the political battle has had two fronts: the ballot box and the courtroom. The ballot may produce a winner, but the court will determine the legal consequences,” he added.
Prof. Imumolen reaffirmed his faction’s support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, urging Osun residents to scrutinise the governor’s political calculations.