Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has explained why he is backing President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027, saying he believes the President should be given another opportunity to continue ongoing reforms and infrastructure projects, particularly in the South-West region.
Adeleke spoke during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, hours after securing victory in the August 15 Osun State governorship election and earning a fresh mandate for another term in office.
The governor rejected claims that his endorsement of Tinubu was linked to any political understanding surrounding the governorship election, insisting that no agreement existed between him and the President.
Responding to a question on whether there was any arrangement with Tinubu ahead of the election, Adeleke said, ‘No, I never reached an agreement with Mr President.’
Giving reasons for his support, the governor said, ‘My support is just based on… he’s a Yoruba man, and he’s from the Southwest. And I believe that all the federal roads that he has started, I want to encourage him, you know, not to forget Southwest too.’
He added, ‘Since a Yoruba man has won the first term, maybe we should give him another chance to develop his reform.’
When asked if he would play an active role in Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign, Adeleke replied, ‘Big time, I will.’
He also indicated readiness to collaborate with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including loyalists of former Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola, in advancing support for the President’s re-election effort.
‘Well, as long as it’s… I’m doing it for Mr. President. So I won’t mind. I will work with them,’ he said.
Adeleke further stated that he would participate in the President’s campaign in whatever role Tinubu considered appropriate.
‘And of course, whatever Mr. President… when it’s time for him to campaign and all that, whatever how he wants me to come in, I will do it,’ he said.
Earlier, the Imole Campaign Council also denied reports suggesting that Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu was connected to any political bargain.
The council maintained that the governor’s support for the President was driven by his assessment of Tinubu’s performance and economic reforms rather than any prior arrangement.
In a statement posted on X on Sunday, the council’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, reacted to comments made by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Congratulating Adeleke on his governorship election victory, Keyamo had written, ‘Thank you, Governor Ademola Adeleke, for the public and unequivocal endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT for the 2027 Presidential Election. You are a man of integrity and honour. ‘Agreement is agreement.”
The remark sparked debate across social media platforms, with some users interpreting it as confirmation of a behind-the-scenes political deal between both leaders.
However, Olajengbesi dismissed the speculation, arguing that Adeleke’s re-election was solely the result of the mandate given to him by voters in Osun State.
‘Do not undermine the resilience of Osun people. There is no agreement,’ he said.
He added, ‘Our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, @officialABAT, is based on his performance and reforms that have strengthened states economically.’
Olajengbesi also stressed that the governor’s victory was determined by the electorate, while the President’s contribution was ensuring that democratic processes were respected.
‘Osun people voted @AAdeleke_01. President Tinubu simply ensured democratic rules were respected,’ he said.