By Ikechukwu Samuel
ADC chieftain and veteran journalist, Dele Momodu, has mocked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his conciliatory remarks to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke following the governor’s victory in the recent governorship election.
Momodu said Adeleke’s visit to the Presidential Villa appeared to have produced an unexpected change in Tinubu’s public posture, particularly his emphasis on democracy, stability and the rule of law.
Reacting to footage of Tinubu receiving Adeleke, Momodu said: “I am happy that Ademola Adeleke has performed magic. Now President Tinubu is a born-again preaching democracy.” He said this on Arise Tv
The ADC chieftain, however, said the President’s renewed emphasis on democratic values should be viewed against the backdrop of the political tension that surrounded the Osun election.
He recalled the uncertainty and anxiety preceding the poll, arguing that the conduct of some political actors had raised serious concerns about the state of democracy.
“Went but for the courage of some Nigerians, judges inclusive, we don’t know where our democracy would be now,” Momodu said.
He added: “Everything that could go wrong went wrong. That’s a Murphy’s law.”
Momodu said he was nevertheless pleased by the tone adopted by Tinubu during the meeting, describing the development as a significant moment in the relationship between the President and Adeleke.
“I’m very happy, I’m very excited. Governor has found his presidency to be sober for once,” he said.
The former presidential aspirant and publisher was reacting particularly to Tinubu’s appeal to Adeleke to promote unity, peace, stability, democracy and the rule of law.
Momodu, however, cautioned Nigerians against becoming complacent because of the President’s conciliatory remarks.
“A woman whose child has been killed by a witch never trusts any woman,” he said, adding: “I would tell Nigerians don’t go to sleep.”
Momodu’s comments reflect the complicated political circumstances surrounding Adeleke’s post-election visit to the Presidential Villa. While Tinubu presented Adeleke’s victory as an opportunity for responsible leadership and democratic progress, Momodu interpreted the President’s tone as a remarkable change following the contentious electoral contest.
The ADC chieftain has consistently argued that the Osun election demonstrated the power of the electorate to challenge political influence at the ballot box.
For Momodu, Adeleke’s victory was therefore not merely a state-level electoral outcome but evidence that political power remains contestable, regardless of the influence wielded by those in government.
His reaction also underscores the continuing political divide between supporters of the Tinubu administration and opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the Osun result likely to remain an important reference point in the evolving political contest.
