Osun 2026: ADC Chieftain, Dele Momodu, Backs Adeleke, Urges Opposition Unity Against APC

Veteran journalist and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Dele Momodu, has thrown his weight behind the re-election bid of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, urging opposition parties to unite behind the Accord Party candidate in Saturday’s governorship election.

Momodu’s position is significant coming from a prominent member of the ADC, which is fielding its own candidate in the August 15 election.

The media personality said the overriding objective of opposition parties should be to prevent the All Progressives Congress (APC) from retaining political dominance, arguing that the situation in Osun demanded strategic cooperation among parties opposed to the ruling party.

According to him, he joined the ADC in the first place because of the decision by major opposition figures to form a broad political coalition capable of challenging the APC.

Momodu, however, expressed disappointment that the coalition had failed to achieve the level of unity and cohesion he had envisaged, particularly amid internal disagreements within the opposition camp.

“I joined ADC because key opposition figures decided to unite against the APC’s negative influence that has nearly ruined our economy, social cohesion, religious tolerance, and democratic institutions,” he said.

He recalled that the opposition had demonstrated significant electoral strength during the 2023 presidential election, noting that candidates who finished second, third and fourth were associated with the opposition bloc.

While admitting that the anticipated coalition did not materialise as expected, Momodu said he remained hopeful that Nigerians would eventually unite against what he described as the “APC menace.”

Turning specifically to Osun State, the ADC chieftain said the political circumstances surrounding the August 15 election required opposition parties to put aside individual ambitions and work together.

“Given how APC has turned Osun into a battleground, the most sensible course is for all opposition groups to unify behind Adeleke,” Momodu declared.

He insisted that his support for Adeleke was not borne out of personal friendship or family ties, but what he described as political realities and the governor’s standing among the people.

“This is not about friendship or family. Adeleke has proven himself a global phenomenon who could easily beat Tinubu in a popularity contest,” he said.

Momodu also praised Adeleke’s administration for what he described as notable achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, labour relations, internally generated revenue, agriculture, commerce, culture, women’s empowerment and youth engagement.

He consequently described the governor as “primus inter pares” among Nigerian governors, while urging opposition stakeholders to adopt a pragmatic approach to the election.

The ADC chieftain also warned opposition parties against actions that could create opportunities for electoral manipulation, stressing the need for vigilance and unity before, during and after the poll.

“We must avoid providing the APC with an easy alibi to rig the Osun gubernatorial election on August 15,” he cautioned.

His intervention adds a new dimension to the increasingly competitive Osun governorship race, coming just days before voters across the state are expected to decide whether Adeleke will secure another term or hand power to one of his challengers.