"Thank You President Tinubu" – Governor Adeleke Praises Tinubu for Free and Fair Osun Election, Endorses Second Term

"Thank You President Tinubu" – Governor Adeleke Praises Tinubu for Free and Fair Osun Election, Endorses Second Term

Adeleke made the remarks while addressing supporters after securing victory in the Osun governorship election, where he promised to continue pursuing growth under his renewed five-point agenda.

"At this point, I must deeply appreciate Mr. President, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his strong support for a free and fair election," Adeleke said.

His comments were widely interpreted as a direct response to opponents who had suggested that the election would be rigged in favour of his rival, the All Progressives Congress candidate, Rauf Aregbesola.

The governor's acknowledgment of the President's role in ensuring a credible poll is significant, given the history of electoral disputes in Osun State and the high stakes of the contest.

The governor, who was re-elected on a platform of continuity and development, also reaffirmed his earlier endorsement of President Tinubu's second-term bid, which he had announced in July 2026.

He described President Tinubu as a leader committed to democratic principles and the rule of law, adding that his administration would continue to work closely with the federal government to ensure the development of Osun State.

Adeleke, who secured a decisive victory in the election, extended the olive branch to his opponents, saying, "I want to say it is time to build together, to join hands and move Osun State forward." His commitment to working across party lines reflects his understanding that development requires collaboration, even in a deeply divided political environment.

His win has been widely interpreted as a rejection of the APC's campaign tactics, which included promises of cash payments, debt cancellations and construction contracts in the lead-up to the poll.

The governor's victory is a significant political achievement for both his party and his family, as he becomes the first governor in the state's 34-year history to be re-elected.

His endorsement of the President's second-term bid is a significant political statement, given his position as a key opposition figure, and it has sparked debate among his supporters and political observers alik.

The endorsement is also likely to have implications for national politics, as Adeleke's support for Tinubu could influence other opposition governors and political figures considering their stance on the 2027 election.

His statement praising Tinubu for a free and fair election is a notable departure from the usual opposition rhetoric, suggesting that the President may be building bridges across party lines as he prepares for his re-election campaign . However, some political analysts have pointed out that the relationship between the two leaders was not always cordial, especially during the 2023 election, and that Adeleke's endorsement may be a pragmatic move to secure federal support for his state's development projects.

As the dust settles on the Osun election, Adeleke's victory and his endorsement of the President have added a new dimension to the political landscape in Nigeria.

His willingness to cross party lines and acknowledge the President's role in ensuring a free and fair election has been seen by some as a sign of political maturity, while others view it as a strategic calculation to secure federal patronage for his state's development.

Regardless of interpretation, Adeleke's victory and his endorsement of Tinubu have already become a major talking point in the lead-up to the 2027 presidential election, and they are likely to continue to shape the political discourse in the coming months.