Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has publicly denied reaching any private agreement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding the 2027 presidential election, clarifying that his support stems from ethnic and regional solidarity rather than a backroom political arrangement. The governor's statement, made during an appearance on Channels Television's Sunday Politics, directly addresses the controversy sparked by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo's recent public comment that "agreement is agreement" following Adeleke's endorsement of Tinubu's re-election bid.
No Formal Agreement, Says Adeleke
When asked directly whether he had reached a formal understanding with President Tinubu, Governor Adeleke was unequivocal: "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."
The governor elaborated on his reasoning, stating, "I feel like, well, since a Yoruba man has won the first term, maybe we should give him another chance to develop his reforms." This explanation frames his support as a matter of regional interest rather than personal political gain, a distinction that appears intended to counter speculation about hidden deals.
Full Support for Tinubu's Campaign
When pressed on whether he would back President Tinubu fully in the 2027 presidential election, Adeleke left no room for doubt: "Big time, I will." He also confirmed his willingness to collaborate with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including his recently defeated rival Bola Oyebamiji and former Osun governor Gboyega Oyetola, in support of 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," Adeleke said. Furthermore, he disclosed that he would participate in Tinubu's campaign in whatever capacity the president required, stating, "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."
Keyamo's Comment Ignited Controversy
The clarification follows a public exchange that raised eyebrows. Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, had thanked Adeleke on X (formerly Twitter) for what he called an "unequivocal endorsement" of Tinubu, writing: "You are a man of integrity and honour. 'Agreement is agreement.'" That phrase prompted the question on the political show about whether a formal agreement existed between Adeleke and the president.
Adeleke and Tinubu have maintained a notably warm relationship despite belonging to rival political parties, with the governor making several high-profile visits to the president since taking office. This relationship has been the subject of speculation, particularly given Adeleke's recent electoral victory.
Osun Election Results
Adeleke secured a second term in office at the Osun governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, winning 511,067 votes against Oyebamiji's 444,815. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Najeem Salaam finished third with 17,180 votes. The governor claimed victory in 19 of the state's 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) held the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) responsible for the alleged widespread barring of hijab-wearing Muslim women from casting their votes during the Osun governorship election. MURIC's executive director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, detailed the allegations in a press statement, describing the incidents as deliberate and targeted.
