Dele Momodu backs Adeleke for second term despite being ADC Chieftain

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has declared his support for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke ahead of the August 15 governorship election, despite belonging to a rival political party.

Momodu, a former presidential aspirant, made his position known in a statement on Tuesday, calling on opposition parties to put aside their differences and rally behind Adeleke, who is seeking a second term.

He said he remained a proud member of the ADC but explained that he joined the party as part of an effort by prominent opposition figures to form a broad coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Momodu, the coalition was intended to provide Nigerians with a strong alternative to the APC, which he accused of damaging the country’s economy, social cohesion and democratic institutions.

He said, “I joined ADC on the basis that prominent members of opposition parties in Nigeria decided to form a broad coalition of forces against the APC cankerworm that has almost destroyed our economy, social cohesion, religious tolerance and democratic institutions and separation of powers.”

Momodu admitted that the opposition coalition did not develop as originally expected but said he remained hopeful that Nigerians would unite against the APC.

He argued that the political situation in Osun now required opposition parties to adopt a practical approach and support Adeleke.

“It would be foolhardy not to see that with the manner APC has turned Osun State into a theater 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 insisted that his decision was not influenced by friendship or family ties, describing Adeleke as a popular political figure capable of defeating President Bola Tinubu in a popularity contest.

He also praised Adeleke’s administration, describing him as “primus inter pares amongst Nigerian Governors” and citing his alleged achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, agriculture, commerce, culture, women empowerment and youth integration.

Momodu further urged opposition parties not to create an opportunity for the APC to manipulate the outcome of the election.

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