Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027, describing the decision as a “moral and development-driven action” taken in the best interest of Osun State and the Yoruba people. The governor made the declaration while inspecting the ongoing reconstruction of the Ibadan–Ile Ife–Ilesa expressway on Sunday, according to a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

Adeleke, who is a member of the Accord Party, said political differences should not override the need to support Tinubu, whom he called “our own son, father and leader.” He questioned how he could hesitate to embrace the President when Osun is the ancestral birthplace of Nigeria’s leader. “How many governors are as lucky as me? We in Osun count ourselves privileged to have one of our illustrious sons at the helm of affairs,” Adeleke stated. He added that his administration’s support for Tinubu goes beyond partisan lines and is rooted in the development benefits the state is already receiving.

The governor commended the speed and quality of work on the Ilesa–Ile Ife–Ibadan expressway, noting that the project will ease access to major economic centres in Osun and complement his government’s infrastructure programme. He disclosed that Osun has rehabilitated several federal roads since 2022 and reconstructed more than 300 kilometres of state roads. Adeleke expressed hope that the Federal Government would soon approve refunds for the state’s intervention on federal roads.

The endorsement aligns with a broader move by federal and state lawmakers of the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun, who also adopted Tinubu for 2027 while reaffirming support for Adeleke’s re-election bid in 2026. In a communiqué read by Deputy Minority Leader Senator Lere Oyewumi, the lawmakers praised Adeleke’s performance in infrastructure, workers’ welfare, healthcare, and education, and urged President Tinubu to intervene in the state’s lingering local government crisis. 

Adeleke’s position has drawn mixed reactions. ADC chieftain Gbe Benjamin described it as “political double-dealing,” warning that the governor risks being stranded if he does not formalize his alignment. The governor, however, maintained that his stance reflects loyalty to Yoruba interest and gratitude for ongoing federal projects in the state.