Accord fights bid to bar 2027 candidates

The Federal High Court in Abuja is set to hear a lawsuit challenging the participation of Accord party candidates in the 2027 general elections. Accord has asked the court to dismiss the suit, disputing its national secretary's right to bring the action and the court's authority to determine it. The disagreement centres on who could sign and submit the party's nomination documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The national secretary, Adebukola Ajaja, alleges that the national chairman and national organising secretary took over responsibilities that belonged to her. She filed the court action on 21 October, challenging the involvement of national chairman Maxwell Mgbudem and national organising secretary Ibe Kenechukwu ThankGod in forwarding candidates' documents without her participation. Ajaja argues that the party's constitution and applicable electoral rules require the national chairman and national secretary to sign the relevant submissions jointly.

Accord's legal team has raised several objections to the proceedings, describing candidate nomination as an internal party matter. The party also challenges Ajaja's legal standing because she did not contest its primary election. Furthermore, Accord alleges that Ajaja failed to provide a required 21-day notice before commencing the action. The party's House of Representatives candidate for Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency in Imo State, Dr Nnamdi John Ejekwumadu, says its candidates are continuing their campaigns.

Ejekwumadu defended the leadership's handling of the nomination process and outlined an industrial development proposal that he said could generate up to 5,000 jobs in his constituency. INEC's final candidate list identifies Ejekwumadu as Accord's nominee for the seat. He proposed partnerships between government and private businesses to establish industrial clusters, employ young people and support production within local communities.

The Mbaise Industrial Cluster Project is the basis of Ejekwumadu's employment proposal, which aims to create up to 5,000 jobs. He linked the proposal to security, arguing that access to productive employment could help reduce young people's involvement in crime. The party's published manifesto advocates government support for private enterprise, business co-operatives and local industrial development.

Ejekwumadu also recalled a House initiative in 2023 concerning industrial development across the country's 360 federal constituencies. He said he had not seen sufficient implementation and placed responsibility on legislators to pursue allocations that addressed their constituencies' economic needs. Ejekwumadu cited his previous work as a special adviser in the Senate and House of Representatives.

The Accord party's proposal for industrial development and job creation is part of its broader strategy to address the country's economic challenges. The party's candidates, including Ejekwumadu, are expected to present their policy proposals to voters ahead of the 2027 general elections. The court's decision on the lawsuit will determine whether Accord's candidates can participate in the elections.

Key points

• Accord party seeks to dismiss lawsuit challenging its candidates' participation in 2027 general elections.
• Party's candidate proposes industrial development plan to create 5,000 jobs in Imo State constituency.
• Lawsuit centres on dispute over who can sign and submit party nomination documents to INEC.