Veteran Nigerian journalist and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has expressed support for Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party (AP) in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.

Despite being a member of a rival opposition party, Chief Momodu called on opposition parties to unite behind Adeleke ahead of the August 15 poll.

Momodu emphasised the need for opposition parties to set aside personal interests and collaborate to oust the APC, which he described as a destructive force.

He reaffirmed his allegiance to the ADC, highlighting his initial motivation for joining the party—forming a broad coalition against what he called the “APC cankerworm”.

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He added that he had hoped the opposition coalition would avoid internal disputes, noting that the ADC had fielded candidates in the recent presidential election’s top four positions.

However, he acknowledged that the coalition effort had not materialised as planned. Still, he maintained hope that Nigerians would stand united against the APC’s influence.

“I joined ADC because key opposition figures decided to unite against the APC’s negative influence that has nearly ruined our economy, social cohesion, religious tolerance, and democratic institutions.

“I prayed fervently against internal conflicts, wishing the coalition could build on the momentum from the 2023 election, where ADC presented the second, third, and fourth-place candidates.

“It didn’t turn out as we hoped, but I remain optimistic that Nigerians will rise collectively against the APC menace,” Momodu stated.

He urged opposition parties to adopt practical and strategic approaches, explaining that his support for a candidate outside his party was driven by the situation in Osun State.

“Given how APC has turned Osun into a battleground, the most sensible course is for all opposition groups to unify behind Adeleke,” he declared. “I make this position clear without hesitation or fear of contradiction.”

Momodu clarified that his endorsement was not motivated by personal ties. He praised Adeleke as a prominent figure capable of defeating President Bola Tinubu in a popularity contest.

“This is not about friendship or family. Adeleke has proven himself a global phenomenon who could easily beat Tinubu in a popularity contest,” he said.

He further commended Adeleke’s achievements in sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, staff welfare, labour unions, IGR, agriculture, commerce, culture, women’s empowerment, and youth engagement, describing him as “primus inter pares” among Nigerian governors.

Finally, Momodu warned opposition parties to prevent giving the APC any pretext to manipulate the election outcome.

“We must avoid providing the APC with an easy alibi to rig the Osun gubernatorial election on August 15,” he cautioned.