Accord party has expelled its presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, and seven state chairmen over alleged anti-party activities and other offences.

The expulsion of the members was contained in a communique issued after the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja.

The communique was read to newsmen by the party’s National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem.

The expelled state chairmen included: Lanre Ogundare (Lagos), Surajo Ibrahim (Zamfara), Muktar Abdalla (Borno) and Dzingina Ephraim (Nasarawa).

Also expelled were: three former state chairmen: Chief Abiola Odeoba (Ekiti), Dr Falaye Ajibola (Ondo) and Prince Adebisi Ganiy (Ogun).

Mgbudem said that NEC approved the expulsion of Imumolen and the other seven party chieftains following the recommendations of a seven-man Disciplinary Committee set up by the National Working Committee (NWC).

He said that the disciplinary committee was set up to investigate allegations of gross misconduct, anti-party activities and breaches of the party’s constitution against some members, while some resolutions were made.

“The NEC unanimously approved, upheld and endorsed the disciplinary measures against some members of the party for gross misconduct, anti-party activities, factionalising the party, bringing it to ridicule, disrepute, disaffection and breaches of its constitution.

“Accordingly, NEC expelled eight members and suspended three others for violating Article 20A (vii), (ix), (xiii), and 20A (1) of the party’s constitution,’’ he said.

Mgbudem stated that NEC also suspended Salimu Boyi, its Katsina State chairman; Fatima Zarumi, acting Yobe Chairman and Abdullahi Kasowa, Bauchi State chairman.

“The NEC emphasised the need to maintain decorum within the party to avoid a state of anarchy and lawlessness.

“It highlighted the need to preserve the party’s constitution and its adherence, which is not just expedient but mandatory as the party is supreme.

“The NEC passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Mgbudem as the authentic national chairman of Accord.

“The NEC urged him to remain focused in rebuilding, rebranding and strengthening the party to meet the needs and expectations of citizens for a better Nigeria,’’ he said.

Mgbudem added that NEC also welcomed back members who were misled into instigating rebellion against the party leadership to destabilise it and bring it to ridicule.

He said that NEC also urged members to remain in one accord, as there was no faction in the party.

The national chairman said that the court had since vacated the interim order obtained by Imumolen, which naturally expired after seven days as ruled by the presiding Judge, Justice M. M. Adamu of the  FCT High Court on Sept. 4.

He said that the judge, in his ruling, had also ordered the intruders to vacate the party’s national secretariat which they forcefully took over on Aug. 31.

Mgbudem said that Accord had commenced massive membership drive, aimed at repositioning it as a major stakeholder in the country’s democratic process.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Joseph Omorogbe, in an interview with newsmen, said that the party was united and ready to compete with other political parties in the 2027 general elections.

“Members who left the party mistakenly are back, knowing that this is the way. With this, it is a milestone for us. This has not spilt us; it has further consolidated our move to winning elections in 2027,’’ he said.

Omorogbe expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms, saying: “it is great because what you are not eating, you are not supposed to collect tax on it.’’ (NAN)

From Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi

Bauchi state Governor, Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir on Wednesday approved the payment of seventy (70,000) minimum wage.

Bala announced that his administration will commence the payment of the new national minimum wage starting at the end of the month of November.

The governor said this during the executive council meeting held at the exco chamber of the state government house.

According to him, “I must express my concern over a recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics, which listed Bauchi State among those with high poverty levels”

“This report serves as a wake-up call for us all, underscoring the urgent need to redouble our efforts in delivering meaningful and impactful projects to our people”

He said that he remains committed to addressing the backlog of gratuities owed to the retired civil servants in the state.

He appealed for their continued patience and understanding as they work diligently towards resolving the longstanding issue.

From Samuel James, Ilorin

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter in Edu Local Government Area has openly criticized the State party leadership, accusing them of neglecting internal democracy, party cohesion, and equitable resource distribution.

The criticism came in a statement issued after their maiden meeting of the Edu APC Liberation Elders Consultative Meeting recently in Tsaragi, Edu LGA.

The co-signed statement by the group’s chairman, Mohammad Mariam Al-Hassan and Secretary, Abubakar Zubairu Shonga    outlined their grievances and resolutions, while calling for fairness in resource allocation and the support for Kwara North’s governorship bid in 2027, and to adhere to party principles.

The Edu party Elders who expressed dissatisfaction with the state party leadership, said they recognise Governor Abdulrasaq as Party Leader in the State but regrettably, soon after, came to the realisation that the Party Leadership in the State is unconcerned with Party cohesion, internal party democracy, or the overall well-being of the party faithful.

They described the state party leadership approach as “hostile and damaging to the fortunes of our party and the good people of our beloved State.”

The chapter however advocated for Kwara North to be prioritized for the APC governorship ticket in 2027, as they argued that the region has consistently supported the Central and South senatorial districts in achieving governorship positions since 1999.

“Without prejudice to none, the party should follow the zoning and rotation policy for party and public election offices in accordance with the principles of equity, justice, and fairness.

The Kwara North ought to automatically be given the right of first refusal for the 2027 governor’s ticket,” the communiqué read.

They also appealed to Kwarans from other senatorial districts for support, stating: “In order to achieve and maintain the intended goal and aim of ongoing mutual advantages and peaceful coexistence we’ve enjoyed in Kwara State, we are appealing for the understanding, cooperation, and support of Kwarans from other senatorial districts about Kwara North project 2027.”

The statement also criticized the lopsided distribution of state resources, appointments, and infrastructure. “The current uneven, skewed, and concentrated social amenities, appointments, and empowerments are generally not representative or reflective, ” the chapter noted.

The chapter also demanded a fair share of resources to curb rural-urban migration, unemployment, and poverty in Kwara North, adding “The votes that brought the current administration to power were a collective mandate and this is neither reflective, nor representative of the current lopsided, skewed, and concentrated pattern of appointments.

The elders also welcomed the local governments autonomy granted by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, urging citizens to hold local officers accountable.

“Given the autonomy granted to local governments by the President Tinubu-led administration, we have high expectations for significant development and progress in our communities. We therefore implored our citizens to maintain oversight and keep administrative officers legally accountable”.

The statement explained the growing discontent within the state APC and raises questions about the party’s ability to maintain unity ahead of the 2027 elections. The Edu APC Liberation Elders’ demands for zoning, equity, and fair resource distribution could significantly influence political dynamics in the state.

They further said 2027 elections are closer, and all eyes will be on the state party leadership to see whether it addresses these grievances or risks alienating key stakeholders within the party.