The Accord Party governorship primary in Oyo State has ended in controversy and confusion following the emergence of two separate candidates from parallel processes held by different factions of the party.
In one of the exercises, Kunle Busari, popularly known as Gudugudu, was declared winner of the party’s governorship primary after reportedly securing victory through a primary election conducted under the supervision of party officials and electoral observers.
Party stakeholders backing Busari described the process as lawful, transparent, and in line with the Accord Party’s internal guidelines, insisting that his emergence reflects the democratic choice of delegates across the state.
According to sources within the party, Busari polled the highest number of votes totalling 29,427, while Oriyomi Hazmat polled 18,716 and Fatai Owoseni polled 11,922 to clinch the governorship ticket, positioning himself as the Accord Party’s flag bearer ahead of the 2027 Oyo governorship election.
However, in a dramatic twist, another faction of the party reportedly endorsed media entrepreneur and founder of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, as a consensus governorship candidate through a separate parallel process held almost simultaneously.
Supporters of Oriyomi maintained that his adoption followed broad consultations among party leaders and stakeholders who believe his popularity, grassroots appeal, and humanitarian credentials make him the strongest contender to challenge for the governorship seat.
The parallel declarations have thrown the party into uncertainty, raising fresh concerns over internal divisions and possible legal battles over the authentic governorship ticket.
The development comes shortly after former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, withdrew from the Accord governorship race, citing alleged infiltration of party structures, manipulation, and the use of thuggery to influence the process.
Political observers say the unfolding crisis could weaken the Accord Party’s chances in Oyo State if urgent reconciliation efforts are not undertaken to resolve the leadership dispute and determine a universally accepted candidate.
As of the time of filing this report, the state and national leadership of the Accord Party had yet to issue an official clarification on which of the two parallel exercises would be recognised as legitimate.
With both camps claiming legitimacy, attention is now on the party’s national executives and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), whose eventual recognition may determine the authentic Accord governorship candidate for Oyo State.