From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Accord Party (AP) has dissolved its National Working Committee (NWC) and elected a caretaker committee, headed by Maxwell Mgbudem.
The party announced the change during its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja recently.
The outgoing National Chairman, Mohammad Lawal Nalado, expressed gratitude to his colleagues and the NEC for their support throughout his tenure.
He, however, opposed amendments to the party’s constitution that would have potentially prolonged his chairmanship. Instead, he urged his successor to aim higher, promising his support to the incoming leadership.
He said: “I have been privileged to serve this party for many years, and I thank each and every one of you for the opportunity to lead. You have made my journey one without headaches, and for that, I am deeply appreciative.
“As I step aside, I call upon the new leadership to surpass the milestones we reached together. Though I am ageing, my commitment to the party remains unwavering.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Nalado touted his achievements, pointing to electoral victories that prevented the deregistration of the Accord Party by the Independent National Electoral Commission in 2020 and the party’s influence within the Inter-Party Advisory Council.
He assured the party of his ongoing support. “I may no longer be at the forefront, but my commitment to our party’s success is steadfast. I will always be available to contribute to the growth of our Accord,” Nalado promised.
Following the dissolution of the NWC, Martins Inyang Ansa, the Protem National Chairman, presided over the election of the caretaker committee, which saw Barr Maxwell Mgbudem and Dr Adebukola Abiola Ajaja elected as National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.
The caretaker committee, which will steer the party for the next six months, also includes Yusuf Saulawa as National Treasurer, Hassan Bello as National Financial Secretary, Ibe ThankGod as National Organising Secretary, Omoregie Solomon as National Publicity Secretary, and Garba Mohammed as National Auditor.
In his acceptance speech, Mgbudem acknowledged the weight of his new role and the challenges ahead.
Mgbudem said: “The task before us is daunting but necessary for the rebirth of our party and the nation at large. A political party’s strength is the bedrock of democracy, and we are committed to getting it right. Our focus is on integrity, adherence to the rule of law, and to eschew the commercialisation of politics.”
He further called on party leaders at every level to engage in reconciliatory efforts, to ensure that the party presents a united front in upcoming elections, including the governorship races in Edo and Ondo states.
“This is a call to action. We must mobilise and ensure that the Accord Party is a formidable contender across all electoral positions,” Mgbudem said.