Accord Party's Imumolen Withdraws from 2027 Race, Backs Tinubu

At a press conference held in Lagos on Friday, Professor Christopher Imumolen—who serves as National Chairman and presidential candidate for the Accord Party—declared his exit from the 2027 presidential race. He announced his backing of President Bola Tinubu instead.

Following extensive talks with both party members and leadership, Imumolen explained that this choice emerged from those consultations. Multiple considerations guided Imumolen's decision to support Tinubu's second-term aspirations.

The administration's approach to reform, combined with its leadership style, featured prominently in his reasoning. He also highlighted the expanding groundswell of backing the president enjoys throughout Nigeria's regions.

Ten particular justifications underpinned his step-down, among them Tinubu's demonstrated dedication toward unifying the nation and advancing its progress. In Imumolen's view, the chief executive's policies aim to position Nigeria more favourably.

Imumolen stressed that collective welfare must supersede individual political ambitions when making such consequential choices. He expressed confidence that the president acts with Nigeria's welfare foremost in his thinking.

Furthermore, he maintained that Tinubu warrants support in pursuing his second-term objectives. With Imumolen's exit, Nigeria's political terrain has shifted as candidates position themselves ahead of 2027's electoral cycle.

His endorsement reflects a wider tendency whereby candidates either align with established political movements or rally behind leading contenders as election cycles draw nearer. The choice to announce this development in Lagos—Nigeria's premier commercial centre—carries considerable political symbolism regarding how such endorsements factor into the national conversation.