Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has defended Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke after the governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his victory in the recent governorship election.
Sani said some opposition supporters were unhappy with Adeleke because they expected him to take a more confrontational position against the President. He made the observation in a post on X while reflecting on the political reactions to Adeleke’s re-election.
According to the former lawmaker, Adeleke’s appreciation of Tinubu was understandable if the President played a role in ensuring that the governor’s electoral mandate was protected.
“Most members of the opposition are not happy with Governor Adeleke for ‘thanking’ President Tinubu for his electoral victory. They want the Governor to be confrontational,” Sani said.
Sani further argued that an election victory does not depend solely on securing the highest number of votes at polling units. He said the collation and declaration stages are equally important in determining whether a candidate ultimately retains the mandate won at the polls.
“Electoral victory is a product of two components; winning the votes and securing the collation and victory of the vote,” he stated.
His comments have attracted attention because Adeleke’s relationship with Tinubu comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Adeleke belongs to the opposition Accord Party, while Tinubu is the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adeleke secured re-election after polling 511,067 votes, defeating APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who recorded 444,815 votes.
Following his victory, Adeleke thanked Tinubu and other stakeholders for their roles in the electoral process. His gesture has generated debate among opposition supporters, some of whom believe political leaders should maintain a stronger stance against the ruling party.
Sani’s intervention highlights the complex political relationships that can emerge after elections, particularly when politicians from different parties acknowledge one another’s roles.
As preparations for 2027 intensify, the Osun election is likely to remain a reference point in discussions about electoral mandates, opposition strategy and the evolving alliances that could shape Nigeria’s next presidential contest.
