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Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in the 2027 presidential election, despite being a member of an opposition party
Adeleke made the declaration on Sunday in his acceptance speech after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him winner of the Osun governorship election.
The governor thanked Tinubu for what he described as his support for a free and fair election before restating his backing for the president’s re-election.
“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,” Adeleke said.
“Mr President is a son of Osun State, and I hereby reaffirm my earlier endorsement of him for a second term in the 2027 presidential election.”
Having previously been a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the platform on which he won his first term as governor in 2022, Adeleke defected to the Accord Party and won his re-election on the party’s platform.
His endorsement of Tinubu also places him outside the PDP’s opposition position on the 2027 presidential contest.
Tinubu, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is seeking re-election in 2027.
Adeleke’s relationship with Tinubu has been notable despite their different party affiliations.
The governor had previously endorsed Tinubu for a second term, and he reiterated that position in his victory speech.
He also thanked his supporters, including members of the diaspora, and credited the media for its coverage of the election.
“To all members of Democracy, I thank you for supporting our struggle, from home and abroad. Your support is overwhelming,” he said.
“My faith in democracy is deepened. Most importantly, I thank the media for standing by me, by us. The constant coverage in support of democracy emboldened us.”
Adeleke, who won the election to secure another four-year term, also called for unity among the contestants, saying the election was over.
“In this race, there is no victor, no vanquished. I extend my only branch to my co-contestants. I am the governor of all Osun State people,” he said.
The governor said his administration would use the renewed mandate to expand development across the state, promising to build on his existing agenda.
“To serve you better, I will reinforce my strong points and correct my errors,” Adeleke said. “I assure you we will further accelerate development and growth under my renewed five-point agenda.”
