Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term in the 2027 presidential election, describing the President as a “son of Osun State.”

Adeleke made the declaration on Sunday, August 16, 2026, shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared him the winner of the Osun State governorship election.

The governor, who secured re-election on the platform of the Accord Party, used his victory address to appreciate Tinubu for what he described as the President’s support for a free and fair electoral process in the state.

“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.

“Mr President is a son of Osun State, and I hereby reaffirm my earlier endorsement of him for a second term in the 2027 presidential election.”

Adeleke’s latest statement reinforces his previously declared position on the 2027 presidential contest and places his support for Tinubu beyond party lines, considering that the governor contested the 2026 Osun governorship election under the Accord Party while Tinubu is a member of the All Progressives Congress.

Adeleke Thanks Tinubu After Osun Victory

The governor’s endorsement came shortly after Tinubu called to congratulate him on his victory in the Osun governorship election.

Adeleke disclosed that the President had personally contacted him following the announcement of the election result.

The governor expressed appreciation for the call and commended Tinubu for what he considered his contribution to the conduct of the election.

He also linked the President’s intervention to the preservation of democratic values during the electoral process.

Adeleke said there was “no victor, no vanquished” following the election and extended an olive branch to his opponents, particularly the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

He said he expected Oyebamiji to congratulate him following the conclusion of the contest.

The governor’s comments came at a significant political moment, coming immediately after his successful defence of the Osun governorship seat.

Adeleke Wins Second Term in Osun

The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke the winner of the August 15, 2026 governorship election after he secured 511,067 votes.

His closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the APC, polled 444,815 votes, while the African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam, came third with 17,180 votes.

Adeleke won 19 of Osun State’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured victories in 11 local government areas.

The result gave Adeleke a margin of 66,252 votes over his closest challenger and secured his return to the Osun Government House for another term.

The declaration was made at about 7:24 a.m. on Sunday by the State Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti.

Adeleke’s re-election followed his initial victory in the 2022 governorship election, when he contested under the Peoples Democratic Party.

For the 2026 election, however, Adeleke contested under the Accord Party after leaving the PDP.

Political Significance of Adeleke’s Tinubu Endorsement

Adeleke’s renewed endorsement of Tinubu is politically significant because of the different political platforms occupied by the two politicians.

While Tinubu is seeking another term under the APC, Adeleke won re-election under the Accord Party.

The governor had nevertheless previously declared support for Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid.

His latest statement indicates that his position has remained unchanged despite the political competition witnessed during the Osun governorship election.

The development could also attract attention within the broader political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential election, particularly in the South-West, where Tinubu has a strong political base.

Osun is one of the six states in the South-West geopolitical zone and has historically played an important role in presidential elections.

By describing Tinubu as a “son of Osun State,” Adeleke highlighted the President’s connection with the state and presented his support in terms of regional and state identity.

Adeleke Praises Tinubu for Free and Fair Election

A major part of Adeleke’s remarks centred on the conduct of the Osun election.

The governor thanked Tinubu for what he described as strong support for a free and fair election.

His comments came after the President congratulated him on his victory and described the election outcome as a reflection of the will of the people of Osun State.

Tinubu also commended INEC and the security agencies for the conduct of the election, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The President urged Adeleke to use his second term to unite the people of Osun State regardless of how they voted during the election.

The exchange between the President and the re-elected governor has therefore added a new dimension to the political relationship between the two leaders.

Tinubu Congratulates Adeleke

Tinubu congratulated Adeleke after INEC announced the final result of the election.

The President said he had personally called Adeleke to congratulate him and expressed confidence that the governor would use his second term to promote growth, stability and development in the state.

Tinubu also praised the other candidates who participated in the election, describing their participation as part of the democratic process.

The President’s reaction was notable because the APC candidate, Oyebamiji, contested against Adeleke in the election.

Despite the APC’s defeat, Tinubu acknowledged the outcome and said the result represented the will of the people.

Adeleke Calls for Unity in Osun

Beyond his endorsement of Tinubu, Adeleke used his victory speech to call for unity among the people of Osun State.

The governor said the election had ended and that his administration would now focus on governing the entire state.

He extended an olive branch to his opponents and described himself as the governor of all Osun residents.

Adeleke also promised to build on the achievements of his first administration while addressing areas where he believed his government had fallen short.

He said his administration would reinforce its strong points and correct its mistakes during the second term.

The governor further reiterated his ambition to transform Osun from a predominantly civil-service state into an industrial hub and investment destination.

Focus Shifts to Governance

With the election concluded and Adeleke returned to office, attention is expected to shift from political campaigns to governance.

The governor faces expectations from residents to deliver on his campaign promises and consolidate programmes introduced during his first term.

His administration has identified several areas as part of its development agenda, while the governor has pledged accelerated development and growth during his second term.

The renewed mandate also provides Adeleke with an opportunity to pursue longer-term policies without the immediate pressure of another governorship election.

At the same time, the governor is likely to face scrutiny from opposition parties and civil society organisations over the implementation of his promises.

What Adeleke’s Endorsement Means for 2027

The 2027 presidential election is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most closely watched political contests.

Tinubu, who assumed office as President in May 2023, is seeking re-election for a second four-year term.

Adeleke’s renewed endorsement adds to the growing political support for Tinubu ahead of the election.

However, the governor’s support does not automatically translate into the backing of every political stakeholder in Osun State or the Accord Party.

The 2027 presidential election will involve multiple political parties, candidates and competing alliances, and the final outcome will depend on the electorate and the electoral process.

Adeleke’s statement should therefore be viewed as his personal and political position rather than an indication that all Osun political actors have adopted the same position.

A Relationship That Cuts Across Party Lines

The relationship between Adeleke and Tinubu has attracted political attention because both men have operated within different party structures.

Adeleke’s decision to support Tinubu despite contesting the Osun governorship election against an APC candidate demonstrates the possibility of political alliances extending beyond conventional party boundaries.

His renewed endorsement also comes at a time when political realignments are already taking shape ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political parties and prominent politicians across the country are expected to continue negotiating alliances and endorsements as the election approaches.

For the South-West, the positions taken by influential governors and political leaders could become particularly important in determining the region’s voting patterns.

Adeleke’s Second-Term Agenda

Following his re-election, Adeleke said his administration would work towards further development of Osun State.

The governor said he would strengthen areas where his administration had performed well and correct identified shortcomings.

He also reiterated his vision of transforming Osun into an industrial state and an investment destination.

Such an agenda would require investment in infrastructure, human capital, economic development, job creation and public services.

The second term will therefore provide an opportunity for Adeleke to move from electoral promises to implementation while responding to the expectations of residents who voted for his administration.

Conclusion

Governor Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed his endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 presidential election, describing the President as a “son of Osun State.”

Adeleke made the declaration after INEC announced him as the winner of the August 15 Osun governorship election.

The governor secured 511,067 votes to defeat APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes. Adeleke won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas and will now serve another term as governor.

In his victory remarks, Adeleke thanked Tinubu for what he described as support for a free and fair election and also acknowledged the President’s congratulatory call.

The renewed endorsement is significant because Adeleke contested the Osun governorship election under the Accord Party, while Tinubu remains the APC presidential candidate-in-waiting for the 2027 contest.

As Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections, Adeleke’s position is likely to remain an important development in the evolving political dynamics of Osun State and the wider South-West.

For now, the re-elected governor has made his position clear: he continues to support Tinubu’s bid for a second term and regards the President as a son of Osun State.