Christopher Imumolen, factional national chairman of the Accord Party (AP), says he withdrew from the 2027 presidential race to support President Bola Tinubu because they share a similar reform agenda.
Speaking on Friday at a press conference where he formally declared his withdrawal from the presidential contest, Imumolen said the president’s reform agenda closely aligns with his own manifesto, particularly in the areas of economic transformation, education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, industrialisation and national development.
Imumolen said the decision followed consultations with the leadership of the Accord Party, adding that both factions of the party had agreed to the endorsement.
“Over the last four years, I was one of those who criticised the president. However, I have also witnessed his leadership style and the progress his administration has made,” Imumolen said.
“I believe President Bola Tinubu is uniquely positioned to provide a seamless transition between Nigeria’s founding democratic leadership and the emerging generation of transformational leaders.
“My aspiration has always been to serve Nigeria and not merely to occupy political office.
“Whenever the national interest is better served through unity and strategic collaboration, I will always choose Nigeria above personal interest.
The former presidential candidate said continuity in governance remains essential to attracting investment, creating jobs, strengthening institutions and sustaining ongoing reforms across the country.
“These are some of the reasons our party has collectively resolved to stand behind President Tinubu in the forthcoming election,” he said.
“There is no hidden agenda. Our only objective is to support what we believe is good for Nigeria and secure a better future for ourselves and our children.”
Imumolen said he withdrew his submission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the party would not have a presidential candidate in the 2027 election.
“I withdrew my submission to INEC so that we don’t even have a candidate in Accord,” he said.
He added that the party’s decision to support a candidate outside its ranks was not unprecedented, citing its previous support for Alex Otti, governor of Abia and candidate of the Labour Party.
