Ademola Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State, has reiterated his commitment to backing President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 elections, indicating that he will actively campaign for the President's second term.
Adeleke mentioned that ongoing conflicts regarding the governance of local government areas in Osun would not alter his prior endorsement of Tinubu.
This declaration was made known in a statement released in Osogbo on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
The governor expressed these sentiments during a meeting with his cabinet, special advisers, and notable government and party officials held at the Government House.
In attendance were Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, Adeleke’s elder sister Dupe Adeleke-Sanni, and Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly Adewale Egbedun, among other political figures. He emphasized that his political disagreements at the state level do not extend to his relationship with the presidency.
“We have no problem with President Tinubu. He is our leader from the South West,” Adeleke stated. “I reaffirm our backing for Mr. President’s reelection as it serves the best interests of the South West region.”
The governor expressed gratitude to the residents of the state for their support since joining the Accord Party, highlighting its growing popularity.
“Osun has become synonymous with our party's color, and this trend is expanding beyond our borders. Our local branches are organizing activities weekly that are drawing in thousands,” he remarked.
Adeleke assured the citizenry of an enhancement in governance, pledging to intensify development efforts if he secures reelection.
“We will intensify our work in delivering the benefits of democracy. Our enhanced plan will place greater emphasis on youth, women, and labor while solidifying advances in infrastructure, agro-industrialization, education, and healthcare,” he explained.
He directed his aides and party members to strengthen the party’s grassroots framework by mobilizing memberships across all 332 wards in the state, encouraging them to promote the government’s accomplishments ahead of upcoming elections.
“Go out and build upon the popularity of the Accord. Fortify our grassroots support and prepare for open campaigning,” he instructed.
Despite his endorsement of Tinubu, Adeleke is embroiled in a lengthy political battle with the All Progressives Congress over the administration of local government councils in Osun State.
This conflict arises from competing claims to leadership roles following the local government elections held in October 2022 under the former governor Adegboyega Oyetola. Chairs elected during this election, predominantly from the APC, took office in February 2025, citing a ruling from the Court of Appeal in Akure. However, the Adeleke government conducted an alternate local government election on February 22, 2025, which candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won.
The ongoing dispute has led to violent altercations between supporters of both political factions, resulting in the fatalities of at least six individuals, including a local government chairman, Remi Abbas.
Currently, both parties are seeking legal recognition of their respective mandates in court.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!