BY CHIJIOKE CHARLES
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has openly thrown his support behind the 2027 re-election ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the move as a moral obligation tied to development interests and regional solidarity.
Adeleke made the declaration on Monday after inspecting ongoing work on the Ibadan–Ile Ife–Ilesa expressway, where he praised the federal government’s infrastructure interventions and pledged loyalty to the president.
According to the Osun governor, his endorsement goes beyond political affiliation and is rooted in what he sees as tangible benefits accruing to the state under Tinubu’s administration.
“As governor of the ancestral birthplace of Mr President, how can I have my own in the saddle and think twice before embracing him?” Adeleke said.
He further described Tinubu as “our own son, father and leader,” insisting he had no reservations backing the president’s second-term ambition.
The governor added that he considered himself privileged, alongside Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to witness an “illustrious son” of the Yoruba nation occupy Nigeria’s highest office.
Adeleke also linked his support to federal projects currently underway in Osun State. He commended the pace and quality of work on the Ibadan-Ile Ife-Ilesa expressway, saying the project would improve connectivity across major towns and strengthen his administration’s development agenda.
He disclosed that his administration has rehabilitated several federal roads since assuming office in 2022 and reconstructed over 300 kilometres of state roads.
Adeleke also expressed optimism that the federal government would refund the state for completed repairs on federal infrastructure while revealing plans to seek approval for reconstruction work on the Osogbo-Ilesa road.
The governor additionally applauded Tinubu for approving the Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo and Gbongan-Akoda road projects.
On the forthcoming Osun political process, Adeleke said: “With God and people, democracy shall triumph on August 15. President has repeatedly advocated free and fair elections.”
He added: “As a government, we will deploy all means within the law to ensure free and fair election on August 15 and beyond. We know and believe the President meant well for Osun state.”
The endorsement introduces a fresh political dimension ahead of the 2027 election cycle, particularly because Adeleke belongs to a different political camp from the ruling party at the centre.
The move may trigger debate over shifting alliances, regional political calculations and potential realignments in Osun politics. It could also fuel speculation about future cooperation between state and federal actors ahead of major electoral contests.
