Why I’m backing Adeleke against ADC candidate – Dele Momodu

Former presidential candidate and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Dele Momodu, has shared his reasons for supporting Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke in the upcoming governorship election, even though his party has nominated Alhaji Najeem Salaam as its candidate.

Momodu stated that his backing for Adeleke stems from his commitment to the opposition coalition agenda, his evaluation of the governor’s performance, and his long-standing personal relationship with Adeleke.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Momodu emphasised that his decision is not an act of betrayal, but rather a demonstration of the necessity for opposition parties to unite against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“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 to stay,” he said.

According to him, the Osun governorship election should be seen as part of a broader political struggle ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that Adeleke remained the strongest opposition figure in the state.

“The battle in Osun is not a contest between Adeleke and APC. It’s between Adeleke and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. APC is no match for Adeleke in Osun,” Momodu said.

He disclosed that he had consulted some elders of the ADC before declaring support for Adeleke, adding that he believed opposition forces should begin the process of building a coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Momodu also cited his personal relationship with Adeleke as another reason for his decision, describing the governor as his “twin brother” because they were born only three days apart in May 1960.

“Ademola Adeleke and I are not just friends, we are family. He is my twin brother. We were born three days apart in 1960. He was born May 13th, I was born May 16th, and we will remain so forever,” he said.

The ADC chieftain said Adeleke had been subjected to intimidation and bullying, arguing that people of conscience should support the governor regardless of their political affiliations.

He said he would have supported Adeleke even if he were not a member of the ADC.

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“He is a fantastic soul. Only a wicked man will see the good work he has done in Osun State and ignore it. If in my party state, they are not ready to back him, that is fine, but on this occasion, they should please allow me to support Ademola Adeleke. I am begging them to do that,” Momodu said.

Addressing the allegation that his decision amounted to anti-party activity, Momodu recalled a statement attributed to former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, saying his loyalty was being tested by the Osun election.

“I remember watching Governor Fashola of Lagos State when he said, ‘May our loyalty not be tested.’ My loyalty is being tested this time and I’ve chosen Ademola Adeleke,” he said.

Momodu also dismissed criticism of Adeleke’s dancing, saying the governor should be assessed based on his performance in office rather than his personal hobby.

He argued that Adeleke’s dancing had not stopped him from executing projects across Osun State.

“As long as he’s delivering, he’s not wasting the resources of Osun State on dancing. In fact, people love him globally,” he said.

The former presidential candidate, who was born in Ile-Ife and spent much of his early life in the city, said Adeleke had made significant contributions to the development of the area.

“I was born in Ile-Ife, I spent almost the first 28 years of my life in Ile-Ife. Apart from the University of Ife, I have never seen any major development in Ife since I was born in 1960 like what Governor Adeleke has done in Ife,” he said.

On ADC’s candidate, Salaam, Momodu declined to compare his suitability with that of Adeleke, saying he did not have sufficient knowledge of Salaam’s record.

“I will not use such superlatives. One, I don’t have the record of Alhaji Najeem Salaam. Salaam may turn out to be a better person, a better governor, I have no idea,” he said.

He, however, insisted that Adeleke deserved a second term based on what he described as his performance in office.

“This man deserves a second term. We must encourage him, we must encourage those who are doing good things,” Momodu said.

Momodu further expressed concern over alleged plans to deploy federal influence in the Osun election, saying fears within the opposition were not unfounded.

“No, it’s not just crying wolf. The characters we’re dealing with, they don’t believe in democracy. They believe in grabbing it, running away with it, and you can go to any court,” he alleged.

He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure a free and fair election in Osun, warning against actions that could damage the President’s democratic credentials.

“President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, if you are watching me, I’m begging you in the name of God, we are embarrassed! Everywhere we go, people ask us, ‘What is wrong? What happened? What went wrong?’” he said.

Momodu also criticised what he described as attempts by political actors to associate the President with electoral violence.

“They are dragging 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, sir. This is absolutely unnecessary,” he said.

Asked whether the Osun election was really about the state or a prelude to the 2027 presidential election, Momodu was unequivocal.

“It’s about 2027,” he said.

He further dismissed the argument that the presence of prominent politicians in the APC would automatically translate into victory for the party, saying Osun voters had historically demonstrated their independence from political godfathers.

“Osun electorates are not stupid. Osun electorates are not afraid of juggernauts,” Momodu said.

Recalling the 2011 presidential election, when he was also a presidential candidate, he said Osun voters had previously rejected attempts by powerful politicians to dictate their choice at the polls.

“In 2011, I was one of the presidential contestants. And at that time, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu instructed his foot soldiers everywhere to support Goodluck Jonathan. At that time, my friend and brother Nuhu Ribadu was contesting. Osun people voted for Nuhu Ribadu,” he said.

Momodu maintained that the electorate would ultimately determine the outcome of the Osun election based on its assessment of the candidates and their records, rather than the influence of political heavyweights.