Accord Party gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Kunle Busari, has insisted he was the only aspirant who attended a consensus meeting held at the signature hotel 48hours before the party’s primary election, faulting claims around the nomination process.
Busari, popularly known as “Goodugoodu”, made the claim on Saturday during a live interview on Fresh FM Ibadan’s Political Circuit, anchored by Mayor Isaac Brown. He said the meeting was convened to harmonize interests ahead of the primary but neither broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat nor former Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni attended. “I was the only aspirant who honoured the invitation and attended the consensus meeting,” Busari said. “My presence there shows my commitment to due process and to building unity in Accord.”
The Accord Party primary was conducted at the Ibadan Business School, Bodija. The exercise was supervised by a team from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, led by Engr. Keshinro, in line with electoral guidelines. Busari, however, drew a distinction between the Bodija venue and another location used for party activities. He noted that proceedings reportedly held at A3 Hotel, Orogun Road, Ojoo, were not monitored by INEC officials. Under electoral guidelines, INEC’s presence is required to validate party primaries.
Speaking further on the process, Busari disclosed that the Accord Party chairman and secretary had submitted his name, along with those of other aspirants, to INEC as part of the nomination requirements. He also addressed his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to Accord. Busari said a protracted internal crisis within the PDP disrupted the party’s operations and forced him to seek an alternative platform. He described Accord as a party with structures that accommodate internal democracy.
The gubernatorial candidate argued that his decision to participate fully in both the Abuja consensus talks and the INEC-monitored primary demonstrated respect for party rules. He called on members to close ranks ahead of the general elections. “Our focus should be on winning elections and delivering for the people of Oyo State. That starts with following due process and staying united,” he said.
INEC officials who monitored the Bodija primary are expected to file their report as part of the commission’s compliance checks on party nominations.
