By EMMANUEL OLONIRUHA

The Prof. Chris Imumolen-led faction of Accord Party says Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun State faces legal and political risks arising from the party’s leadership crisis.

Imumolen made the position known in a statement titled ‘Two Reasons Gov. Adeleke is Endorsing President Bola Tinubu,’ issued on Sunday in Abuja.

He said Adeleke’s alignment with President Tinubu was a strategic calculation aimed at avoiding political confrontation amid the ongoing political tussle in Osun.

Imumolen identified the leadership crisis within Accord as another major reason for Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said the issue confronting Adeleke extended beyond securing votes, citing the unresolved legal dispute between his faction and the Maxwell Mgbudem-led faction.

While the Mgbudem-led group backed Adeleke, Imumolen’s faction insists it remains the only legitimate and recognised executive structure of Accord.

Imumolen said a court victory for his faction could have far-reaching implications for the political foundation upon which Adeleke contested.

“Could Adeleke’s political calculation be influenced by the possibility that the Accord leadership dispute may ultimately be determined by the courts?

“That is the question Osun people should be asking,” he said.

He, however, cautioned that political assessments must be distinguished from established legal facts, stressing that a court victory would not automatically remove Adeleke from office.

According to him, the eventual legal outcome would depend on the court’s explicit orders, final judgment 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,” Imumolen said.

He added that while election results could settle an electoral contest, they would not automatically extinguish a separate dispute over party leadership.

“The ballot may produce a winner, but the court will determine the legal consequences,” he said.

Imumolen reaffirmed his faction’s support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election. (NAN)