Osun Election: ‘Battle Is Between Adeleke and Tinubu, Not APC’ – Momodu Declares

Osun Election: ‘Battle Is Between Adeleke and Tinubu, Not APC’ – Momodu Declares

A Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has declared that the forthcoming Osun State governorship election is essentially a contest between Governor Ademola Adeleke and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is no match for the incumbent governor.

Momodu, who recently declared his support for Adeleke despite being an ADC member, said the decision was based on his belief that opposition forces must unite ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a Channels Television interview on Wednesday, Momodu explained that his support for Adeleke was consistent with the coalition-building principle that informed his membership of the ADC.

He said the Osun election should be viewed as a “rehearsal” for the broader opposition struggle against the Tinubu administration in 2027.

According to him, “The battle in Osun is not a contest between Adeleke and the APC. It is between Adeleke and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The APC is no match for Adeleke in Osun.”

Momodu said he had consulted some party elders before declaring his support for Adeleke, adding that he remained close to former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and respected him immensely.

He maintained that Adeleke had performed well in office and deserved support from people who genuinely wanted the state to progress.

The ADC chieftain also defended Adeleke against criticism over his public dancing, saying the governor should be allowed to dance as long as he continues to deliver good governance.

“The dancing governor is performing. Let Adeleke give me a lot of dancing; as long as he is delivering, he is not wasting the resources of Osun State on dancing,” Momodu said.

He compared Adeleke’s dancing to politicians who engage in other recreational activities, arguing that nobody complains when governors travel around to play golf.

Addressing concerns over the political situation in Osun, Momodu alleged that opposition figures were being intimidated and described Adeleke as a “fantastic human being” who had been subjected to bullying.

He further disclosed that his relationship with Adeleke went beyond politics, describing the governor as his “twin brother” because they were born just three days apart.

Momodu acknowledged the contradiction created by his support for Adeleke while his party had its own governorship candidate, stating that he had asked the ADC to “loan” him to Adeleke for the election.

“I’m a Democrat. If my party says they are not ready to back him, that is fine. On this occasion, please loan me to Ademola Adeleke. I’m begging them to do that,” he said.

He also said political actors were closely monitoring developments because of the strategic importance of the Osun poll to the 2027 elections.

Momodu insisted that opposition parties needed to put their differences aside and work together if they hoped to mount a strong challenge to the ruling APC in 2027.