A chieftain of the Accord Party, Dr Sam Imagwe, has alleged that his party failed to make any significant impact in the Saturday governorship election in Edo State, claiming that it was sold out for personal gain.

Speaking with journalists in Benin, Dr Imagwe said it was not surprising that the party went the same route it has been going for the past 16 years, opting for negotiations with big parties just to be paid off.

He accused the leadership of the party in Edo, which was in place before the court declared Prof. Chris Imumolen as the national leader, of corruption, questioning why a governorship candidate would step down just to support another candidate.

“This has always been the practice of those who were at the helm of affairs of the Accord Party before now, and indeed other smaller parties.

“They field a candidate, not with the intention of trying their popularity at the polls, but with the hope of stepping down at the 11th hour and going into negotiations.

“This shenanigan has made a lot of Nigerians lose confidence in smaller parties, and it is most unfortunate that Accord Party has joined that fray. Under this kind of arrangement, how can we have a robust opposition?” he queried.

He accused the past leadership of the party at the national level of supervising the failure of the party to make an impact in the governorship election in Edo, expressing hope that Prof. Imumolen-led national leadership will right the wrongs of the past.

“Prof. Chris Imumolen has come to rescue the party with dynamism, energy, and vigour. With just a few weeks at the helm, you can see what he is doing.

“The recent distribution of palliatives and relief materials in Borno State among flood victims, things known to be done by bigger parties, is very strategic.

“It speaks to humanity, leadership, and political activism, and I am hopeful that under him, Accord Party will be elevated to serious national relevance,” he added.