By EMMANUEL OLONIRUHA

The Maxwell Mgbuden-led Accord leadership has denied endorsing Gov. Alex Otti’s re-election bid for Abia’s 2027 governorship election.

Accord’s National Publicity Secretary, Joseph Omorogbe, made the denial in a statement issued on Thursday.

Omorogbe said the party’s national leadership never authorised its Abia chapter to support the ruling Labour Party.

He described a reported endorsement of Otti in Umuahia as null, void, and without any effect.

According to him, the group behind the visit acted without the party’s approval.

He said Accord’s former presidential candidate, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, and his associates were no longer party members.

Omorogbe said they were expelled in 2024 over alleged anti-party activities.

“It is obvious that non-members cannot speak, act, or endorse aspirants on behalf of the authentic leadership of Accord,” he said.

He accused Imumolen and his associates of impersonating the party’s leadership.

“What they did in Umuahia is their usual showmanship aimed at deceiving unsuspecting members of the public.

“Their antics are well known to discerning citizens,” he added.

Omorogbe said it was unfortunate that Otti allegedly fell for what he described as political opportunists.

He said such individuals move across the political space seeking politicians to exploit during election periods.

He added that Otti should have confirmed Accord’s authentic leadership through the electoral commission’s official records.

According to him, the commission recognises Maxwell Mgbuden as Accord’s National Chairman.

“Only Maxwell Mgbuden’s National Executive Committee has the authority to present candidates for elections,” he said.

Omorogbe urged Nigerians to disregard the reported endorsement, describing it as the work of political merchants seeking to create division within the party.

He also urged journalists to verify party leadership with the electoral commission before publishing reports.

“Accord remains united under Barrister Maxwell Mgbuden and fully prepared for future elections,” he said. (NAN)