Popular Opposition Presidential Candidate Steps Down for Tinubu

The presidential candidate of a faction of the Accord Party, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, has withdrawn from the 2027 presidential election and thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term.

Imumolen, who also serves as the factional National Chairman of the Accord Party, Tinubu Party, announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, saying it followed extensive consultations with the party’s leadership.

He described the move as a “patriotic sacrifice” driven by the need to place Nigeria’s unity, stability and long-term development above personal political ambition.

According to him, although he had emerged as the party’s presidential candidate during its duly conducted primaries, he decided, in agreement with the party leadership, to step aside and endorse Tinubu’s re-election.

“Following my emergence as the presidential candidate of the Accord Party during the duly conducted presidential primaries, I, in consultation with the leadership of the party, made the patriotic decision to withdraw from the presidential race and fully support the re-election of President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

“This decision was not borne out of personal interest, but from a deep conviction that the unity, stability, and continued progress of Nigeria must take precedence over personal political ambition,” Imumolen stated.

Explaining the rationale behind his endorsement, the Accord Party chieftain outlined 10 reasons why he believes Tinubu deserves another four-year mandate, arguing that the President’s reform agenda aligns with key aspects of his own manifesto.

He said the administration’s policies on economic transformation, education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, industrialisation and national development influenced his decision to support the President.

Imumolen further praised Tinubu’s handling of the country’s political and economic challenges, describing the President as a courageous and strategic leader with the capacity to steer Nigeria through difficult times.

“His resilience and ability to navigate Nigeria’s complex political and economic landscape demonstrate uncommon courage, determination, and strategic leadership worthy of emulation,” he said.

He also credited Tinubu with demonstrating exceptional political foresight and nation-building capacity, saying the President had consistently nurtured transformational leaders and promoted progressive governance through institutional reforms.

The former presidential hopeful added that Tinubu had shown the ability to identify competent individuals, build consensus across political divides, foster national unity and make difficult decisions in the country’s overall interest.

Imumolen expressed confidence that the President is well-positioned to bridge the gap between Nigeria’s founding democratic leadership and a new generation of transformational leaders.

Despite prevailing economic difficulties, he maintained that Tinubu’s policy direction, fiscal discipline and leadership style would ultimately reposition Nigeria’s economy for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Recall that the Accord Party led by Bar. Maxwell Mgbudem, who is officially recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had earlier adopted Tinubu as its presidential candidate for the election.

A statement issued last Sunday by Governor Ademola Adeleke re-election campaign spokesman, Pelumi Olajengbesi, said the party’s national leadership observed that it is important that the Tinubu administration completes all the roads and infrastructure projects it has commenced such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway.