Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad has expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prospects in Osun State ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Ahmad made the assertion while reacting to recent political developments in the state, particularly the post-election activities involving Governor Ademola Adeleke and President Tinubu. He suggested that the emerging relationships among influential political figures could work in the President’s favour in the next presidential contest.
According to Ahmad, Tinubu’s political influence in Osun appears to cut across party lines. He argued that the current political situation could provide the President with an advantage as political parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections.
“President Bola Tinubu has Osun on both sides,” Ahmad said, referring to the political developments involving the ruling and opposition camps in the state.
He subsequently declared that “Osun is already in the bag” for Tinubu, expressing optimism about the President’s chances of securing substantial support from the state in 2027.
The comments have generated interest because they followed Governor Adeleke’s engagement with Tinubu after the Osun governorship election. Adeleke, who remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), visited the President in Abuja after securing re-election.
However, the meeting should not automatically be interpreted as an endorsement of Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid. Ahmad’s statement represents his political assessment, while Adeleke’s future position in the presidential contest remains a matter for the governor and his party to determine.
The development is significant as Nigeria’s political parties and major political actors gradually begin preparations for the 2027 general elections. Osun, as one of the politically influential states in the South-West, could become an important battleground for presidential candidates.
The state recently concluded its governorship election, with Adeleke emerging victorious. The result has already triggered fresh political discussions, including speculation about alliances and realignments ahead of 2027.
As the presidential race draws closer, the level of support Tinubu can secure in Osun and across the wider South-West is expected to remain a major issue in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
