Endorsing Tinubu won’t stop Adeleke from losing in Osun — Oyetola

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has warned Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, that endorsing President Bola Tinubu will not save his administration from defeat in the upcoming governorship election. Oyetola made these remarks during a meeting with All Progressives Congress stakeholders and supporters in Osun State.

The former governor, who lost to Adeleke in the 2022 election, told Adeleke's allegations of APC intimidation to be a sign that he is losing his grip on the state. Oyetola stated that Adeleke's endorsement of Tinubu won't prevent the party from reclaiming the governorship seat and suggested that Adeleke make "10 endorsements, we will collect this one from you."

The minister also dismissed Adeleke's continuous references to him, saying he avoided engaging the governor in public exchanges. The election between Adeleke, running on the Accord Party platform, and APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji is seen as a tight race, with both sides ramping up their campaigns. The political environment in Osun has been tense, with allegations of violence and intimidation from both camps.

Oyetola, who served as governor from 2018 to 2022, is now supporting Tinubu's APC candidate in the 2026 election.