African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain and publisher, Dele Momodu, has described the forthcoming Osun State governorship election as a contest between incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke and President Bola Tinubu, rather than a direct battle between Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, the APC does not have the political strength to match Adeleke who is the candidate of the Accord Party in the state, arguing that the real contest is between the governor and the influence of the Tinubu-led presidency.
“The battle in Osun is not a contest between Adeleke and the APC; it is between Adeleke and President Bola Tinubu. APC is no match for Adeleke in Osun. Everybody agrees on that. They can make all the noise and hullabaloo, but I can tell you today that even the presidency knows. I have a lot of friends in APC; they know they cannot match Ademola Adeleke,” he said.
The ADC chieftain also defended his personal support for the governor, describing Adeleke as a close friend and praising his performance since assuming office.
“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 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. 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,” he said.
Momodu further criticised the APC’s record in the state, describing its performance as “a failure.”
He also appealed directly to President Tinubu to intervene amid the rising political tension in the state, expressing concern over what he described as the misuse of the President’s name in connection with political violence.
“President Bola Tinubu, if you’re watching me, I am begging you. We are embarrassed. Everywhere we go, people ask us, ‘What is wrong? What happened? What went wrong?’
“Once upon a time, you fought for democracy, so what has gone wrong? This change about power by all force is unnecessary,” he said.
Momodu, however, acknowledged what he described as the President’s intervention in the freezing of the Osun State Government’s account, saying such actions could help redeem Tinubu’s democratic legacy.
“I must say thank you for the Osun freezing account that you intervened positively. If you go in that direction henceforth, maybe you can redeem that legacy that you were trying to build,” he said.
He also warned against political violence, urging the President to restrain those allegedly invoking his name to threaten political opponents.
“The people are dropping your name to kill people. The blood will be on your head at the end of the day. Someone must be able to tell you the truth that this is absolutely unnecessary,” Momodu stated.
Osun Poll
Momodu’s comments come amid heightened political activity in the state as the major parties intensify their campaigns ahead of Saturday’s poll. The August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election is expected to be a closely contested race. Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the PDP is seeking a second term, while Bola Oyebamiji is the APC’s main challenger.
The tension has been worsened by a viral campaign video involving APC Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who was accused of calling on supporters to kill members of the Accord Party. Fadahunsi denied making a literal call for violence, saying he meant supporters should “kill” the party with votes.
He was questioned by the Osun Police Command on Wednesday and later granted administrative bail, while the investigation continues.
Fadahunsi has also alleged that his comments were manipulated using AI to damage his political career.
Meanwhile, security has been significantly increased, with more than 25,000 personnel deployed for the election. INEC says sensitive materials have arrived in Osogbo, while about 70% of registered PVCs have been collected.
The election features 14 candidates, but the race is largely viewed as a contest between Adeleke and Oyebamiji, with ADC candidate and former governor Rauf Aregbesola also seeking to influence the outcome. Opposition figures, including Dele Momodu and Atiku Abubakar, have urged security agencies and INEC to ensure a peaceful, free and credible election.
