Osun Election Is APC’s Dress Rehearsal for 2027 Presidential Poll — Dele Momodu

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Dele Momodu, has warned Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, against expecting a free, fair and credible governorship election on August 15.

Momodu alleged that President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, intend to use the Osun election as a “dress rehearsal” for their preparations ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The former presidential candidate made the allegation in a post on X addressed to Adeleke ahead of the governorship poll.

Momodu urged the governor to remain vigilant, claiming that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, would not be independent in the conduct of the election.

He alleged that Tinubu had significant control over the electoral commission and warned that the ruling party was determined to retain power in Osun.

“Let no one deceive you that INEC, under the complete control of President Bola Tinubu will organise a free, fair and credible election in Osun State next week, August 15, 2026,” Momodu wrote.

He further alleged that the APC government was determined to use the election as a test run for the 2027 presidential contest.

“The ruling APC government is determined to use your election as the dress rehearsal for their nefarious preparation for the Presidential election in January 2027,” he said.

Momodu also accused APC supporters in Osun of being prepared to employ any means necessary to secure victory for the party.

He claimed that some APC members had warned their associates to expect possible disruptions during the election.

“We have a lot of friends in APC and we’ve been warned to expect any eventuality,” he said.

According to Momodu, the alleged instruction to APC supporters was to “grab Osun by any means necessary” and deal with the consequences afterwards.

He urged Adeleke to remain focused and rely on his supporters and faith ahead of the election.

Momodu also praised the governor’s performance in office, telling him that his administration’s achievements had earned him public support.

“Please, hold on tightly to God as you’ve always been. We are proud of the uncommon work you’ve done, and doing. Let them campaign with the work they did in the past. Little or nothing to show. You are loved,” he said.

The allegations come amid heightened political tensions ahead of the Osun governorship election, with opposition parties and political actors raising concerns about election security, the neutrality of security agencies and the credibility of the electoral process.

The Nigeria Police Force has, however, said it would remain professional, apolitical and impartial before, during and after the election, while assuring voters that adequate security arrangements had been put in place.