Why I’m Backing Adeleke Despite Being ADC Member — Dele Momodu

Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, has declared support for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party ahead of the August 15 governorship election, despite belonging to a rival opposition party.

Momodu disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, urging opposition parties to put aside individual interests and unite behind Adeleke to prevent the All Progressives Congress from retaining power in the state.

The former presidential aspirant said he remained a committed member of the ADC, explaining that he joined the party because prominent opposition figures had agreed to form a broad coalition against the APC.

He said the coalition was intended to bring opposition forces together to challenge what he described as the APC’s negative impact on Nigeria’s economy, social cohesion, religious tolerance and democratic institutions.

Momodu said he had hoped the coalition would avoid internal disagreements and build on the political strength of prominent opposition figures.

However, he acknowledged that the coalition did not develop as originally envisaged.

Despite the setback, he said he had not abandoned his hope that Nigerians would unite against the APC.

Momodu argued that the political situation in Osun required opposition parties to adopt a practical approach rather than remain divided.

He said the alleged violence and tension surrounding the election made it necessary for opposition parties to unite behind Adeleke.

“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 decision was not based on friendship or family connections.

He described Adeleke as a strong political figure capable of defeating President Bola Tinubu in a popularity contest.

He also praised Adeleke’s performance in infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, agriculture, commerce, culture, youth development and women’s empowerment.

Momodu described Adeleke as “primus inter pares” among Nigerian governors, citing what he called his exceptional performance across several sectors.

He further warned opposition parties against creating divisions that could provide the APC with an opportunity to manipulate the election.

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