Osun poll: It’s Adeleke against Tinubu, not APC – Momodu

Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has characterized the upcoming August 15 Osun State governorship election not as a contest between Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress (APC), but rather as a direct challenge between Adeleke and President Bola Tinubu. Momodu, who is backing Adeleke despite his ADC affiliation, explained that his support aligns with the ADC's objective to unite opposition parties.

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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 stated that his decision to support Adeleke was made after consulting with party elders and considering the incumbent governor and the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, as the main contenders. He asserted that the APC is "no match for Adeleke in Osun," adding that even the presidency is aware of this. Momodu believes that while the APC may make noise, they cannot compete with Adeleke's standing in the state.

His endorsement of Adeleke is also influenced by a long-standing personal relationship. Momodu described Adeleke as a close friend and "twin brother," noting they were born just three days apart in May 1960. Momodu feels Adeleke is being "bullied" and "intimidated," and he called upon individuals of good conscience, regardless of their political party, to rally behind the governor. He praised Adeleke as a "fantastic soul" whose good work in Osun State should not be ignored.

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

While acknowledging that the ADC has its own candidate, Najeem Salam, Momodu appealed to his party to allow him to support Adeleke. He expressed his commitment to democracy and hoped his party would permit this deviation. Momodu's stance reflects a broader effort to consolidate opposition support for Adeleke in the crucial governorship election.

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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.