Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the rising political tensions ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election, warning that violence linked to the poll is damaging the President’s reputation.
Momodu Appeals to Tinubu
Momodu made the appeal on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, amid growing concerns over alleged political violence and intimidation in Osun State.
Addressing Tinubu directly, the publisher of Ovation Magazine said, “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 warned that political actors were associating the President with violence ahead of the election.
“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,” Momodu said.
Momodu Backs Adeleke
Although the ADC has its own governorship candidate, Alhaji Najeem Salaam, Momodu said he is supporting incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party.
He described the election as largely a contest between Adeleke and Tinubu, rather than simply a battle between Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Momodu, the APC is “no match for Adeleke in Osun”, while the outcome of the election could have implications for the 2027 general elections.
Osun Election Seen As 2027 Test
Momodu described the Osun governorship election as a possible “dress rehearsal” for the 2027 presidential election, arguing that opposition parties need to work together against the APC.
He also cited Adeleke’s record in office and his personal relationship with the governor as reasons for his support. Momodu described Adeleke as his “twin brother”, noting that both were born in May 1960, three days apart.
He said he had consulted some ADC elders before deciding to support Adeleke, presenting the move as part of a broader effort to build opposition cooperation ahead of 2027.
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Poll
The comments come as political tensions increase across Osun ahead of Saturday’s election. The campaign has featured accusations of violence, inflammatory statements and heated exchanges among supporters of the major political parties.
Momodu has previously called for opposition parties to unite behind Adeleke and described the political atmosphere in Osun as a “theatre of war”.
The interview has since circulated widely on social media, with excerpts shared by Channels Television and other accounts. No immediate response from the Presidency or APC was reported following Momodu’s remarks.
