Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has rejected suggestions that his decision to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election was based on a political agreement between them.
The governor’s position followed a remark by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, who congratulated Adeleke on his re-election and described the development as evidence that “agreement is agreement.” Adeleke’s camp subsequently moved to clarify the circumstances surrounding the governor’s support for Tinubu.
Speaking through his Imole Campaign Council spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Adeleke’s camp said there was no pre-arranged political pact between the governor and the President.
“There is no agreement,” Olajengbesi stated, arguing that Adeleke’s backing of Tinubu was motivated by the President’s performance and economic reforms rather than a political bargain.
The clarification is significant because Adeleke previously belonged to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but has since moved to the Accord Party, under which he contested and won the 2026 Osun governorship election.
Despite the political differences between Adeleke and Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC), the Osun governor has repeatedly expressed support for Tinubu’s bid for a second term. In March, Adeleke said Tinubu represented the South-West and reaffirmed his endorsement of the President.
In July, Adeleke and the national leadership of Accord also adopted Tinubu as their preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 election, citing the need for the President to complete ongoing infrastructure projects.
The latest dispute highlights the political realignments already taking shape ahead of the 2027 general elections. Adeleke’s support for Tinubu has attracted attention because of his opposition-party affiliation and the potential implications for alliances in the South-West.
For now, Adeleke’s camp insists that the endorsement should not be interpreted as evidence of a secret political arrangement, maintaining that the decision was based on the administration’s record and perceived benefits to Osun and the wider South-West.
