Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has explained why he is supporting 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 gubernatorial election and winning another term in office.
The governor rejected claims that his support for Tinubu was linked to any political understanding surrounding the gubernatorial election, insisting that there was no agreement between him and the president.
Responding to a question on whether there was any agreement with Tinubu before the elections, Adeleke said: “No, I never reached an agreement with Mr. President.”
Giving reasons for his support, the governor said: “My support is simply based on…he is a Yoruba man and he is from the South West. And I think I want to encourage him not to forget all the federal roads that he has started, you know, all the federal roads that he has started.”
He added: “Since a Yoruba man won the first term, perhaps we should give him another chance to develop his reform.”
When asked if she would play an active role in Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign, Adeleke replied: “In a big way, I will.”
He also indicated that he was willing to engage with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including those loyal to former Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, to promote support for the President’s re-election effort.
“Well, as long as it is… I’ll do it for Mr. President. So I won’t care. I’ll work with them,” he said.
Adeleke further stated that he would participate in the President’s campaign in any capacity Tinubu deemed appropriate.
“And of course, whatever it is, Mr. President… when it comes time to campaign and all that, whatever way you want me to come in, I’ll do it,” he said.
Earlier, the Imole Campaign Council also denied reports suggesting that Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu was linked to any political deal.
READ ALSO: We do not have a political agreement with Tinubu, Adeleke camp rejects Keyamo claim
The council maintained that the governor’s support for the president was due to his assessment of Tinubu’s performance and economic reforms rather than any previous agreement.
In a statement published on
Congratulating Adeleke on his victory in the gubernatorial election, Keyamo wrote: “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 an agreement’.”
The comment sparked debate on social media platforms, with some users interpreting it as confirmation of a behind-the-scenes political deal between the two leaders.
However, Olajengbesi dismissed the speculation, arguing that Adeleke’s re-election was solely a result of the mandate given to him by the voters of Osun State.
“Do not undermine the resilience of the people of Osun. There is no agreement,” he said.
He added: “Our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, @officialABAT, is based on his performance and the reforms that have strengthened the states economically.”
Olajengbesi also highlighted that the governor’s victory was determined by the electorate, while the president’s contribution was to ensure that democratic processes were respected.
“The people of Osun voted for @AAdeleke_01. President Tinubu simply ensured that democratic rules were respected,” he said.
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