Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for re election in 2027, saying he is committed to delivering the state’s votes to the president.
Adeleke stated this during a visit by the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, where he recalled his role in securing support for Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, during the leadership elections in 2023.
“I DON’T MAKE EMPTY PROMISES. When I said we will deliver Osun State Votes to our dear father President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I mean it 💯%,” Adeleke said.
The governor recalled that shortly after the 2023 general elections, then Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, contacted him to inform him that Tinubu wanted Osun federal lawmakers to support Akpabio and Abbas for the leadership of the National Assembly.
“In 2023 during the election of Senate President, CoS Femi Gbajabiamila called me that the President wanted to see me. I thought I have offended the President, so I curiously inquired why,” he said.
“The CoS told me that the President wanted Osun Federal Legislators to support Akpabio and Tajudeen Abass. I told the CoS to tell the President not to worry at all, I will handle it.”
According to Adeleke, although the three newly elected senators from Osun State were initially supporting Abdulaziz Yari for Senate President, he persuaded them to back Akpabio.
“I knew the 3 Osun newly elected Senators were rooting for Yari, so I quickly told them that they must all vote for Akpabio and they all did,” he said.
Adeleke said Tinubu appreciated his intervention, adding that the president later sought him out during one of their meetings.
“The President respected so much for this and during one of our meetings, he was practically looking for me, that’s a great honour,” he said.
The governor also said he immediately reaffirmed his support for Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid after his own election victory was announced, saying he wanted to avoid any controversy over his position.
“So immediately after my election victory was announced, I didn’t wait till following day, I dont want any controversy, I immediately reinstated, reaffirmed my earlier adoption of Mr President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election,” Adeleke said.
He urged politicians and residents of Osun State to set aside their political differences and work together in support of the president.
“Politics must be with integrity. We are all from Osun State, let’s forget our differences and work for the President. I won’t be the Governor forever. I’ll leave one day. Tomorrow it could be Ajibola Basiru or anyone else, who knows?” he added.
