Re-elected Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has denied entering into any political agreement with President Bola Tinubu in exchange for the President’s support for his 2027 re-election bid.
Adeleke explained that his decision to back Tinubu was based on his belief that the President, as a Yoruba man from the South-West, should be encouraged to continue development projects and reforms in the region.
The governor made the clarification during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
Asked whether his endorsement was connected to a political arrangement, particularly following Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo’s remark that “agreement is agreement,” Adeleke rejected the suggestion.
Adeleke explained that he wanted Tinubu to continue with projects he believed would benefit the South-West, particularly federal infrastructure projects.
“No, I never reached agreement with Mr President. My support is just based on, he’s a Yoruba man, and he’s from the South-West, and I believe that all the federal roads that he has started, I want to encourage him not to forget the South-West too because all our federal roads lead to other regions.
“And I feel like, well, since a Yoruba man has won the first term, maybe we should give him another chance to develop his reforms.”
He also reaffirmed his willingness to support Tinubu strongly in the 2027 presidential election.
Asked if he would support the President.
“Whenever Mr President, when it’s time for him to campaign and all that, whatever how he wants me to come in, I will do it,” Adeleke replied.
The governor said he was also prepared to work with members of the APC, including his defeated governorship opponent, Bola Oyebamiji, and former Osun governor Gboyega Oyetola, if that would contribute to Tinubu’s campaign.
“Well, as long as it’s … I’m doing it for Mr. President. So I wouldn’t mind; I will work with them,” he said.
Adeleke maintained that his support was not tied to a political bargain and said he would work with the President in whatever capacity was required when the 2027 campaign begins.
His position followed his re-election as Osun governor, where he secured 511,067 votes to defeat APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes. ADC candidate Najeem Salaam came third with 17,180 votes.
(The Sun)