I never reached agreement with Tinubu on his re-election, my support based on his region –Adeleke

Ademola Adeleke, the re-elected governor of Osun State, has clarified that he did not engage in any agreement with President Bola Tinubu regarding his support for Tinubu's bid for a second term in the 2027 election. According to Adeleke, his decision to endorse Tinubu was influenced by Tinubu's Yoruba ethnicity and his origins from the South-West region.

The governor explained his reasoning on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. Despite belonging to opposing political parties, Adeleke and Tinubu have maintained a cordial relationship, with Adeleke visiting Tinubu and the President interacting with the Osun governor. In his re-election speech, the governor reiterated his support for Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027, but his remarks drew criticism from netizens who deemed the alliance contradictory.

When questioned about the basis of his endorsement, Adeleke revealed that it was not based on a political or personal agreement with Tinubu, stating, "No, I never reached agreement with Mr President." Instead, he emphasized that his support stemmed from Tinubu's regional affiliation and his desire to encourage Tinubu to continue his development initiatives, particularly in the South-West.

When asked if he would support Tinubu "all out" in the 2027 presidential election, Adeleke affirmed his commitment, saying, "Big time, I will." The governor also expressed his willingness to collaborate with other members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including his defeated opponent, Bola Oyebamiji, and former governor Gboyega Oyetola, in supporting Tinubu.

Adeleke further stated that he would assist Tinubu in whatever capacity he requested during the 2027 campaign.