Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his commitment to support the reelection of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027, declaring that he would actively work for the President’s second term bid.
Adeleke said the lingering crisis over the control of local government areas in Osun State would not affect his earlier endorsement of Tinubu.
The position was contained in a statement issued in Osogbo on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
According to the statement, the governor made the declaration during a meeting with members of his cabinet, special advisers, and top government and party officials at the Government House.
Speaking at the meeting, which was attended by Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, the governor’s elder sister Dupe Adeleke-Sanni, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly Adewale Egbedun, and other political stakeholders, Adeleke stressed that his political differences at the state level do not extend to the presidency.
“We have no problem with President Tinubu. He is our leader. He represents the South West,” Adeleke said. “I restate our endorsement of Mr President for re-election in the best interest of the South West.”
The governor also expressed appreciation to residents of the state for their support following his defection to the Accord Party, noting that the party’s popularity has continued to grow.
“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,” he said.
Adeleke assured residents of improved governance, promising to deepen ongoing development efforts if re-elected.
“We will redouble our efforts in delivering democratic dividends. Our upgraded agenda will focus more on youth, women, and workers, while consolidating gains in infrastructure, agro-industrialisation, education, and healthcare,” he added.
He directed his aides and party members to strengthen the party’s grassroots structures through membership mobilisation across the state’s 332 wards, urging them to showcase government achievements ahead of future elections.
“Go out and build on the popularity of Accord. Solidify our grassroots support and prepare for open campaigns,” he said.
Despite his endorsement of Tinubu, Adeleke has remained locked in a prolonged political dispute with the All Progressives Congress over control of local government councils in the state.
The crisis stems from rival claims to leadership positions following the October 2022 local government elections conducted under former governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
Chairmen elected in that exercise, largely members of the APC, resumed office in February 2025, citing a Court of Appeal ruling in Akure. However, the Adeleke administration conducted a separate local government election on February 22, 2025, won by candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The dispute has since led to violent clashes between supporters of both parties, resulting in the deaths of at least six persons, including a local government chairman, Remi Abbas.
Both parties are currently pursuing legal validation of their mandates in court.
