By Emmanuel Oloniruha, News Agency of Nigeria, Abuja.
The Court of Appeal, Abuja, has scheduled June 3 for the hearing of an appeal arising from the leadership tussle rocking the Accord Party.
The legal battle over the authentic national leadership of the party is between a faction led by Prof. Chris Imumolen and another led by Mr Maxwell Mgbudem.
The dispute followed controversies surrounding the party’s 2024 National Convention and subsequent leadership arrangements.
The legal battle, which began at the Federal High Court in Abuja, has created parallel structures within the political party, causing concern among members and stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Counsel to Mgbudem approached the appellate court seeking a reversal of a Federal High Court ruling that granted an application to amend the originating processes in the case.
The trial court, the Federal High Court, is currently awaiting the outcome of the interlocutory appeal before taking further steps in the substantive matter.
Meanwhile, the faction loyal to Imumolen, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has insisted that it possesses a valid and subsisting court order recognising its executive committee.
The Imumolen-led faction has also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of failing to properly acknowledge what it describes as the lawful leadership of the party.
Conversely, the Mgbudem-led faction has consistently dismissed claims of a leadership crisis, asserting that there is no legitimate factional division within the party’s ranks.
Political analysts believe the final determination of the case by the judiciary will have far-reaching implications for the party’s internal cohesion.
They noted that the court’s pronouncement would validate or invalidate subsequent decisions, appointments, congresses, and nominations carried out by the parallel leadership structures.
Observers also warned that until a conclusive judicial pronouncement is delivered, uncertainty would continue to overshadow the party’s preparations for future electoral contests.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA