Re-elected Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied entering into any political agreement with President Bola Tinubu in exchange for supporting the President’s bid for a second term in 2027.
Adeleke said his decision to back Tinubu was based primarily on regional considerations, noting that the President is a Yoruba man from the South-West.
The governor made the clarification during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, following his recent victory in the Osun governorship election.
Despite belonging to rival political parties, Tinubu and Adeleke have maintained a relatively cordial relationship, with the Osun governor making visits to the President and Tinubu also engaging with him.
‘There Was No Agreement’
Adeleke was asked whether his public endorsement of Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid was based on a political agreement between them.
The question followed a statement by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, who had reacted to Adeleke’s endorsement by saying, “Agreement is agreement.”
However, Adeleke rejected the suggestion that any deal had been reached.
He explained that his support was motivated by Tinubu’s identity as a Yoruba leader from the South-West and his desire to see federal development projects continue across the region.
According to Adeleke, the President’s ongoing reforms and infrastructure projects should be given more time to deliver results.
He said that because a Yoruba man had secured the presidency for a first term, he believed Tinubu should be given another opportunity to continue his programmes.
Adeleke Promises ‘Big Time’ Support
When asked whether he would support Tinubu fully during the 2027 presidential election, Adeleke gave an emphatic response.
“Big time, I will,” he said.
The governor also indicated that he was prepared to work with APC members in support of Tinubu, including his former election opponent Bola Oyebamiji and former Osun governor Gboyega Oyetola.
Adeleke said his willingness to work with them would be driven by his decision to support the President rather than party affiliation.
He also said he would be available to support Tinubu in whatever capacity the President requested when the 2027 campaign begins.
Keyamo Praises Adeleke
Adeleke’s endorsement drew a positive reaction from Keyamo.
In a post on X, the aviation minister thanked the Osun governor for what he described as his public and unequivocal support for Tinubu’s re-election.
Keyamo described Adeleke as “a man of integrity and honour”, adding, “Agreement is agreement.”
The statement subsequently fuelled further discussion about the relationship between the two politicians and the political implications of Adeleke’s decision to support Tinubu despite belonging to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Adeleke Secures Second Term
Adeleke was first elected governor of Osun State in 2022 and secured another term in the latest governorship election.
He polled 511,067 votes, defeating APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who recorded 444,815 votes.
African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam finished third with 17,180 votes.
Adeleke won in 19 of Osun’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured victory in the remaining 11.
With the 2027 presidential contest already beginning to shape political alignments, Adeleke’s decision to openly support Tinubu could become a significant development in the political calculations ahead of the next general election.
