OSOGBO, Nigeria — Leaders of an Accord Party faction backing Prof. Chris Imumolen condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission on Wednesday for listing Ademola Adeleke as the party’s candidate in the upcoming Osun State gubernatorial election. They claim INEC disregarded a High Court order affirming Imumolen as the party’s legitimate national chairman.

The Imumolen camp held primaries on a Sunday that nominated Hon. Clement Kolawole, according to their statement. INEC’s Osun office invalidated the exercise that same day — a non-working Sunday — and recognized Adeleke, linked to a rival Maxwell faction, the group said. Such haste demands explanation, they argued: How did officials review the primaries in hours? What procedures justified the speed?

“INEC is not a faction of Accord,” the statement declared. “It must act as a neutral umpire.” The electoral body, they added, has no stake in internal party disputes yet appeared to side with one group against a judicial ruling. The nomination form for Kolawole was properly submitted under Imumolen’s leadership, they maintained.

A subsisting High Court order recognizes Imumolen as chairman, the faction noted. The full matter awaits determination at the Federal High Court. INEC’s actions risk undermining party autonomy and constitutional order, they warned. Nigeria’s democracy suffers when regulators ignore court rulings or favor one side, the statement said.

INEC must correct its records immediately to list Kolawole, the group demanded. They vowed legal challenges to any interference. “We are not intimidated,” the statement concluded, signed by Imumolen loyalists. “Justice may be delayed, but it cannot be denied.”

The dispute highlights tensions within Accord ahead of Osun’s election. Adeleke, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party figure in past races, now appears on INEC’s list for Accord — a development the Imumolen camp called unlawful. Party infighting has plagued Nigerian politics, with courts often settling leadership battles.

Officials from INEC did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The commission has faced similar accusations of bias in other party matters. Accord’s internal rift traces back to rival claims over chairmanship, with Imumolen’s group citing the court as decisive.

Osun voters will head to polls soon. Kolawole, the disputed nominee, served previously in the state assembly. His backers portray him as the product of a lawful process. The Federal High Court could yet intervene before ballots print.