Why I Stepped Down To Endorse Tinubu For 2027 — Accord Party Presidential Candidate Imumolen

Accord Party presidential candidate, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, has explained his decision to step down from the 2027 presidential race and endorse President Bola Tinubu, saying he took the decision because he believes the President’s policies and leadership are in Nigeria’s best interest.

Speaking at a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos State, at the weekend, Imumolen said his decision was driven by a conviction that Nigeria’s unity, stability and development should take precedence over his personal political ambition.

He said he considered 10 factors before withdrawing from the race, including what he described as the Tinubu administration’s efforts to reposition the country through its policies and reforms.

“This decision was not borne out of personal interest but from a deep conviction that the unity, stability, and continued progress of Nigeria must take precedence over personal political ambition,” he said.

Imumolen said Tinubu had demonstrated the capacity to unite the country and deserved support to consolidate his administration’s efforts.

“If there is one man that can unite Nigeria, we have to give it to him. Tinubu has proved he has the capacity to emancipate Nigeria,” he said.

While acknowledging that other presidential candidates were preparing for the 2027 election, Imumolen questioned their ability to formulate and implement policies capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges on the scale he believes the Tinubu administration is doing.

He acknowledged that some of the administration’s policies had caused temporary hardship but argued that the measures would ultimately produce better outcomes for the country.

Imumolen also praised Tinubu’s political experience and leadership qualities, saying the President had demonstrated the ability to build consensus, promote national unity, identify capable individuals and make difficult decisions.

He said Tinubu’s emphasis on institutional reforms, purposeful leadership and continuity provided confidence in Nigeria’s long-term growth and stability.

“President Tinubu has shown remarkable ability to identify capable individuals, build consensus, promote national unity, and make difficult decisions in the best interest of the nation,” he said.

Imumolen further disclosed that his withdrawal from the presidential race had the backing of the Accord Party leadership, describing the decision to support Tinubu as a sacrifice made in the national interest.

“Our decision to withdraw our presidential candidature and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a deliberate sacrifice made in the interest of Nigeria. History will always remember those who placed national progress above personal ambition,” he said.