Veteran journalist, publisher of Ovation Magazine, and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Dele Momodu, has declared his support for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s bid for a second term, despite belonging to a rival opposition party.
In a statement released on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, titled “Why Governor Adeleke Deserves a Second Term,” Momodu urged opposition parties to set aside individual interests and unite behind Adeleke ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
Momodu affirmed that he remains a proud member of the ADC, which he joined as part of efforts by prominent opposition figures to form a broad coalition against the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I joined ADC on the basis that prominent members of opposition parties in Nigeria decided to form a broad coalition of forces against the APC cankerworm that has almost destroyed our economy, social cohesion, religious tolerance and democratic institutions and separation of powers,” he said.
He noted that while the hoped-for broad opposition coalition had not fully materialised as initially envisioned, the current political realities in Osun State demand practical action.
“The time has now come for us to confront REALITY and demonstrate that we indeed possess commonsense by being demonstrably practical. It would be foolhardy not to see that with the manner APC has turned Osun State into a theater of war, the only sensible STRATEGY is for all opposition parties to align immediately and back the ACCORD party candidate GOVERNOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE,” Momodu stated.
He emphasised that his endorsement was not based on personal friendship or family ties. “I make this declaration without equivocation, or any fear of contradiction. This is not based on friendship or family ties. Governor Adeleke has been a global phenomenon who would easily defeat President Tinubu himself in a popularity contest.”
Momodu praised Adeleke’s performance in governance, describing him as “primus inter pares amongst Nigerian Governors” due to extraordinary achievements in infrastructure, health, education, staff welfare, labour relations, internally generated revenue (IGR), agriculture, commerce, culture, women empowerment, and youth integration.
He warned that opposition parties must avoid creating any opportunity that could serve as an alibi for electoral manipulation. “We should never supply the APC an easy alibi to rig the Osun gubernatorial election on August 15, 2026. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The Osun State governorship election is scheduled for August 15, 2026, with Governor Adeleke contesting on the platform of the Accord Party.