Governor Adeleke Reaffirms Support for Tinubu's 2027 Re-election Bid
In a significant political development, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has publicly declared his commitment to actively support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's bid for a second term in the 2027 presidential election. This endorsement comes despite ongoing disputes over local government control within the state, highlighting the governor's focus on regional unity and leadership.
Official Statement and Meeting Details
According to a statement issued by Governor Adeleke's spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Osogbo, the governor made this declaration during a meeting with his cabinet members, special advisers, and top government and party officials at the Government House. Rasheed emphasized that the lingering crisis over local government areas in Osun State would not affect Adeleke's earlier endorsement of President Tinubu.
Governor Adeleke stated clearly: "We have no problem with President Tinubu. He is our leader. He represents the South West. I restate our endorsement of Mr. President for re-election in the best interest of the South West." This remark underscores the governor's strategic alignment with Tinubu's leadership and the broader interests of the southwestern region of Nigeria.
Political Context and Party Dynamics
Governor Adeleke has been engaged in a prolonged political dispute with the All Progressives Congress (APC) over control of local government councils, stemming from the October 2022 LGA elections under former governor Adegboyega Oyetola. Despite this tension, Adeleke's endorsement of Tinubu signals a complex political landscape where local and national allegiances may diverge.
In a related move, ahead of the 2026 Osun election, Governor Adeleke snubbed the ruling APC after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He announced his defection to the Accord Party on December 9, 2025, via a statement posted on his social media handle on X, citing alignment with the party's welfare-focused ideology. Adeleke expressed appreciation to residents of Osun State for their support following this defection, noting that the party's popularity has continued to grow beyond the southwest state.
"Osun has become yellow, and this is even spreading beyond the state. Our local chapters are organising weekly activities that are attracting thousands of participants," the governor remarked, highlighting the expanding influence of his political movement.
Broader Implications for the 2027 Election
This endorsement adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming 2027 presidential race, as it showcases cross-party support within the political arena. Governor Adeleke's stance may influence other regional leaders and voters, particularly in the South West, where Tinubu's base is strong. The move also reflects the ongoing realignments in Nigerian politics, where defections and new alliances are common strategies ahead of major elections.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, Prophet Joshua Iginla, Founder of Champions Royal Assembly, has issued warnings about the health and safety of key political figures ahead of 2027. The cleric urged national leaders to prioritize safety, cautioning against risks associated with air travel, and clarified that his message was based on spiritual insight rather than political prediction.
As the 2027 election approaches, such endorsements and statements will likely shape the political discourse, with Governor Adeleke's support for Tinubu serving as a notable example of how local disputes can be set aside in favor of broader regional and national objectives.
