Osun Election: Momodu Says It's Adeleke vs Tinubu, Not APC

A leader of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, has said the Osun State governorship election on August 15 is not just about Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress. He believes it is about the governor and President Bola Tinubu.

Momodu is supporting Adeleke even though he is a member of the ADC. He said his support is part of his commitment to unite opposition parties. He shared his thoughts on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

He explained that he joined the ADC because of its goal to bring together opposition parties. He argued that backing Adeleke fits with this goal of unity.

He said, “When I joined ADC, I joined a party that promoted coalition of opposition parties. So, what I am demonstrating now is that opposition must come together today.”

Momodu talked to some elders in his party before announcing his support for Adeleke. He considers both Adeleke and Bola Oyebamiji of the APC as the main candidates in the election.

He stated, “The battle in Osun is not a contest between Adeleke and the APC, it is between Adeleke and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“APC is no match for Adeleke in Osun, everybody agrees on that. They can make all the noise and all the hulabaloo, but I can tell you today that even the Presidency knows, and I have a lot of friends in APC, they know they cannot match Ademola Adeleke.”

Momodu, who is also the publisher of Ovation International magazine, said his long friendship with Adeleke influenced his decision. He described Adeleke as a close friend and “twin brother.”

He mentioned that he and Adeleke were born three days apart in May 1960 and have stayed close friends over the years. He added that Adeleke is being “bullied” and “intimidated.” He urged people from all political backgrounds to support the governor.

“He’s being bullied, he’s being intimidated, and all men and women of good conscience should rise up whether you are in our party or wherever,” he said.

“Even if I was not in ADC, I would still have supported Ademola. He’s a fantastic soul. Only a wicked man will see the good work he has done in Osun State and ignore it.”

Momodu noted that the ADC has its own candidate, Najeem Salam, in the election. He appealed to his party to let him support Adeleke.

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

The Osun governorship election is set for August 15. Adeleke of the Accord Party is running for re-election against other candidates, including Oyebamiji of the APC and Salam of the ADC.