Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in the 2027 presidential election.
Adeleke made the declaration shortly after he was declared winner of the Osun State governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday.
The governor, who defeated the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Oyebamiji, said Tinubu deserved recognition for supporting what he described as a free, fair and credible election in the state.
Adeleke also described Tinubu as a son of Osun State, saying he had no reason to withdraw his earlier endorsement of the President ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“At this point, I must deeply appreciate Mr President, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his strong support for a free and fair election.
“President Tinubu is son of Osun State and I hereby reaffirm my earlier endorsement of him for a second term in the 2027 presidential election,” Adeleke said.
The governor’s statement came after the conclusion of a closely watched election in the state, which had attracted national attention because of the political importance of Osun and the growing rivalry between the ruling APC and opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The election was also seen as a major test for Adeleke, who sought another term in office against the APC candidate.
According to the results announced by INEC, Adeleke of the Accord Party won 19 of the 30 Local Government Areas in the state and polled 511,067 votes.
Oyebamiji, who represented the APC, won in 11 local government areas and scored 444,815 votes.
The results gave Adeleke a margin of 66,252 votes over his closest rival and secured his victory in the governorship contest.
The governor’s victory is significant for the Accord Party in Osun, a state where the party and APC have remained the main political forces in recent years. Adeleke had defeated the APC candidate, Gboyega Oyetola, in the 2022 governorship election before assuming office.
His re-election means he will remain governor of the state beyond the 2027 general elections and gives the Accord Party opportunity to consolidate its political structure in Osun.
The governor’s renewed endorsement of Tinubu is also notable because Adeleke belongs to the opposition Accord Party, while Tinubu is a member of the ruling APC.
Adeleke had previously declared his support for Tinubu’s 2027 presidential ambition, despite the political differences between their parties.
His latest statement indicates that his position remains unchanged after the Osun governorship election.
The governor’s comments also come at a time when political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election are gradually gaining momentum across the country.
Tinubu, who won the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the APC, is expected to seek another term in office in 2027, although the presidential contest is yet to officially begin.
Several opposition political figures and groups have also been making moves to challenge the ruling party in the next general election.
The political situation has led to increased talks about alliances, opposition cooperation and possible realignments ahead of 2027.
In Osun, the governorship election had also been closely followed because of the wider political battle between the Accord Party and APC.
The President had earlier on Sunday congratulated Adeleke on his victory.
In his congratulatory message, Tinubu acknowledged the outcome of the election and expressed goodwill towards the governor and the people of Osun State.
Adeleke, in return, praised the President for what he described as his support for a credible electoral process.
The governor’s statement could further shape political discussions in Osun and across the South-West, where political leaders are expected to play important roles in the 2027 presidential contest.
For Adeleke, his immediate task will now be to consolidate his electoral victory and continue with the administration of Osun State.
The governor is expected to use his second term to pursue his development programs while working with political stakeholders and residents to address the economic and social challenges facing the state.
His victory has also strengthened his position within Accord Party and could increase his influence in discussions around the party’s future direction ahead of 2027.
However, the governor’s endorsement of Tinubu is likely to remain a subject of political debate, particularly within Accord Party, as the opposition party prepares for the next presidential election.
For now, Adeleke has made it clear that his support for Tinubu remains firm, even after securing another term as governor on the platform of the opposition PDP.
His declaration also adds a fresh dimension to the political relationship between the Osun governor and the President as both prepare for the next phase of their political careers.