A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has warned Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke not to take the upcoming governorship election for granted, alleging that the All Progressives Congress (APC) could use the poll as a test run for strategies ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Momodu issued the warning in a post on his official X account as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State.
The former presidential candidate urged Adeleke not to rely solely on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deliver what he described as a free, fair and transparent election.
Momodu alleged that President Bola Tinubu exercises significant influence over INEC and questioned whether the electoral body would be able to operate independently during the Osun poll.
Addressing Adeleke, whom he referred to as his “twin brother,” Momodu said the governor should be prepared for what he described as possible attempts to manipulate the electoral process.
He alleged that the APC could use the Osun election to test tactics that might later be deployed during the 2027 presidential contest.
Momodu further claimed that some APC members in Osun had been instructed to secure victory “at all costs” and deal with the consequences afterwards.
According to him, information from unnamed individuals within the APC had raised concerns about the possible outcome of the election.
He urged Adeleke to remain focused and resilient, while praising the governor’s performance in office.
Momodu also encouraged the governor’s supporters to remain vigilant throughout the electoral process, particularly as political tensions rise ahead of the poll.
The August 15 election is expected to be a major contest between the APC and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun, with the outcome likely to carry significance beyond the state.
Momodu’s comments come amid broader opposition concerns over the independence of Nigeria’s electoral institutions and the conduct of future elections.
The APC and the Presidency have not, in the statement provided, responded to Momodu’s allegations that the Osun election could be used as a “dress rehearsal” for the 2027 presidential election.
