A prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Dele Momodu, has declared that the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election is not a contest between the ruling party and the incumbent, but rather a direct political battle between Governor Ademola Adeleke and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Momodu, who is the publisher of Ovation International magazine, openly broke ranks with his party to endorse Adeleke for a second term in office. He insisted that the opposition must immediately close ranks to build a formidable front against external political influences.

The declaration has added a fresh layer of intensity to the off-cycle election, where Governor Adeleke—now flying the flag of the Accord Party—faces stiff competition from Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Dr. Najeem Salaam of the ADC.

Momodu explained that his decision to support Adeleke, despite the ADC having its own official candidate in Najeem Salaam, is strictly in line with the foundational principles that drew him to the party. According to him, he joined the ADC primarily because of its programmatic vision to foster a unified coalition of opposition forces.

"When I joined ADC, I joined a party that promoted a coalition of opposition parties," Momodu stated. "So, what I am demonstrating now is that the opposition must come together today." He noted that he had extensively consulted with several party elders before going public with his endorsement of the incumbent governor.

Dismissing the electoral strength of the local APC chapter, the Ovation publisher argued that the political structures under the ruling party cannot withstand Adeleke’s current momentum across the state`s 30 Local Government Areas. He claimed that even the presidency is quietly aware of the governor`s deep grassroots popularity.

The battle in Osun is between Adeleke and President Tinubu, Momodu asserted, adding that the APC is simply making "noise and hulabaloo". He further emphasized that Adeleke has evolved into a formidable political phenomenon who could comfortably challenge top federal figures in any popularity test.

Beyond political strategies, Momodu revealed that personal sentiments and a sense of justice heavily influenced his endorsement. He described Governor Adeleke as a close friend and a "twin brother," noting that they were both born just three days apart in May 1960.

He alleged that the incumbent governor is currently facing immense intimidation and systemic bullying from external political forces as the election day draws near. "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," Momodu urged, adding that only a biased observer would ignore the infrastructure and welfare projects executed in Osun State.

Acknowledging the awkwardness of his position as an ADC member backing a rival Accord Party candidate, Momodu maintained that his democratic values compelled him to take a stand. He formally appealed to the national leadership of the ADC to overlook the breach of party lines for this specific election cycle.

"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," Momodu pleaded.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that over 2.3 million registered voters are eligible to participate in Saturday`s election. Security agencies have already deployed fresh personnel, including a new Commissioner of Police, to ensure an orderly process amid rising political tensions.