By John Dike, Osogbo
Accord Party in Osun State has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) to desist from linking it to the controversy surrounding the academic credentials of its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO.
In a statement issued in Osogbo, the State Chairman of the party, Pastor Victor Babalola Akande, said the Accord Party has no involvement in what he described as the internal challenges of the APC, particularly issues relating to the credibility of its candidate.
Akande described attempts to drag the party into the matter as “misleading, unnecessary, and a calculated diversion” from what he called serious concerns raised about the APC candidate.
“We wish to state categorically that Accord has no business with the internal crises of the APC, especially issues concerning the authenticity and credibility of its candidate’s credentials,” he said.
“At this critical point in Osun’s political journey, our attention remains on our campaign and meaningful engagement with the people. We are committed to presenting our candidate and policies, not getting distracted by opposition-induced controversies.”
The party stressed that its campaign is issue-driven, focusing on governance, development, and the welfare of the people, rather than engaging in personal attacks or political mudslinging.
According to Akande, Accord has continued to showcase its achievements and articulate its vision for Osun State across key sectors, maintaining that its approach is anchored on substance and performance.
“Our engagement with the electorate is based on our plans, our track record, and our commitment to good governance. We are focused on the future of Osun State, not on trading accusations,” he added.
While distancing itself from the APC’s internal affairs, the party maintained that transparency and accountability are essential qualities for anyone seeking public office.
“It is important to emphasize that anyone aspiring to lead must be open, transparent, and accountable. The people of Osun deserve nothing less than the truth from those seeking their mandate,” the statement noted.
The party also questioned Oyebamiji’s silence over allegations surrounding his credentials, noting that failure to address public concerns could deepen suspicion.
“We expected AMBO to provide clear answers to the questions raised about his credentials. His silence leaves room for doubt and speculation,” Akande said.
Accord further drew a comparison with Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, whom it described as a model of openness and accountability.
“He would have done well to emulate Governor Ademola Adeleke, who demonstrated transparency by responding to questions previously directed at him. Leadership demands honesty and responsibility,” the statement added.
The party urged political actors in the state to elevate public discourse and focus on issues that directly impact the lives of citizens rather than engaging in divisive narratives.
Meanwhile, the controversy has deepened as the Action Peoples Party (APP) instituted a suit at the Federal High Court in Osogbo challenging Oyebamiji’s eligibility for the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
In the suit marked FHC/OS/CS/50/2026 and filed by Abdulateef R. on behalf of the APP, the party is asking the court to determine whether the documents submitted by the APC candidate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) meet constitutional requirements, particularly under Section 182(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The APP is seeking an order invalidating the publication of Oyebamiji as the APC candidate and a perpetual injunction restraining INEC from recognizing him. It also prayed the court to compel the electoral body to delist his name from the list of candidates for the election.
However, the APC has dismissed the suit as frivolous and politically motivated.
In a reaction, the party’s spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, alleged that the APP was being used by unnamed political interests to undermine the APC’s chances in the forthcoming election.
“We were not surprised by such a frivolous suit. It is clearly a hatchet job designed to distract and mislead the public,” Olabisi said.
He maintained that Oyebamiji is fully qualified to contest the election, insisting that he has met all constitutional and statutory requirements.
“Our candidate is eminently qualified. No amount of politically motivated litigation can change that fact,” he added.
Olabisi further suggested that the lawsuit reflects growing panic among opposition elements, expressing confidence that the APC would emerge victorious at the polls.
“No amount of falsehood or subterfuge will stop the will of the people. Our candidate remains focused and will win convincingly,” he stated.
Growing Political Tension
Political observers say the legal battle adds a new dimension to the Osun governorship race, with increased scrutiny on candidates’ qualifications and rising political tension among parties.
They note that while such pre-election litigations are common in Nigeria’s political space, the outcome of the case could have significant implications for the electoral process.
As campaigns intensify ahead of the August 15 election, attention is now shifting to the courtroom, where the fate of the APC candidate’s eligibility may ultimately be decided.
