ADC Chieftain Dele Momodu Backs Adeleke for Second Term, Urges Opposition to Unite Against APC in Osun

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has thrown his weight behind Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for a second term, urging opposition parties to put aside their differences and rally behind the Accord Party candidate ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

Momodu, a former presidential aspirant, made his position known in a statement on Tuesday, despite being a member of the ADC, which is a rival opposition party.

He said his decision was driven by what he described as the need for opposition forces to adopt a practical strategy in Osun State rather than allow party interests and individual ambitions to undermine their collective strength.

Momodu explained that he joined the ADC because prominent opposition figures had sought to build a broad political coalition capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to him, the coalition was intended to confront what he called the “APC cankerworm,” which he accused of contributing to economic difficulties, weakening social cohesion and undermining democratic institutions.

He said he had hoped the coalition would bring together leading opposition figures and avoid what he described as a “clash of egos” among political leaders.

However, Momodu acknowledged that the coalition did not develop as initially envisaged.

Despite this, he said he remained optimistic that Nigerians could still unite against the APC, particularly in states where opposition parties have a realistic opportunity to defeat the ruling party.

Why Momodu Chose Adeleke

Explaining his decision to support Adeleke, Momodu argued that the political situation in Osun required opposition parties to set aside their individual interests.

“It would be foolhardy not to see that with the manner APC has turned Osun State into a theatre of war, the only sensible strategy is for all opposition parties to align immediately and back the Accord Party candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke,” he said.

Momodu stressed that his endorsement was not based on friendship or family connections.

Instead, he praised Adeleke’s performance in office, describing the governor as a “global phenomenon” and claiming that he could defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a popularity contest.

The ADC chieftain further described Adeleke as primus inter pares — first among equals — among Nigerian governors, citing what he regarded as achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, industrial relations, internally generated revenue, agriculture, commerce, culture, women empowerment and youth development.

Warning to Opposition Parties

Momodu also warned opposition parties against allowing their differences to create an opportunity for the APC to gain an advantage in the election.

He argued that opposition forces must recognise the political realities on the ground and work together rather than split their votes.

“We should never supply the APC an easy alibi to rig the Osun gubernatorial election on August 15, 2026,” he said.

His intervention adds another layer to an already closely watched Osun governorship contest, where party structures, opposition alliances and the popularity of the major candidates are expected to play significant roles.

While Momodu maintained that he remains a proud member of the ADC, his decision to publicly support Adeleke represents a notable example of political loyalty being placed alongside — rather than above — what he considers the broader objective of defeating the APC in the state.

The August 15 election is therefore shaping up not only as a contest for the Osun Government House, but also as a significant test of whether Nigeria’s opposition parties can overcome competing interests and coordinate their political strength at the ballot box.