The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has dismissed Governor Ademola Adeleke’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu, saying the move will not prevent the incumbent from losing the August 15 governorship election.Digital news advertising
Oyetola said the All Progressives Congress remains determined to reclaim Osun State and argued that Adeleke’s support for Tinubu’s 2027 presidential ambition would have no bearing on the governorship contest. His remarks come in the final days of campaigning ahead of Saturday’s election.
“They realised that they are already losing out. Then they claimed to have endorsed us. He almost cried. Endorsement cannot retain this seat for you. We are taking it over,” Oyetola said.
“If you like, make 10 endorsements, we will collect this one from you,” the former governor added.Travel guide Nigeria
Adeleke, who is seeking another term on the platform of Accord, has publicly backed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election. During recent remarks calling on the President to intervene over alleged political violence in Osun, Adeleke again referred to Accord’s endorsement of Tinubu and urged the President to ensure a free and fair governorship election.
The APC, meanwhile, is seeking to return to Government House through its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. Oyetola and Oyebamiji had earlier participated in the APC presidential primary exercise in Osun, where party members endorsed Tinubu as the APC candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The exchange underscores the unusual political alignment ahead of the Osun election, with Adeleke backing Tinubu at the federal level while simultaneously battling the President’s APC for control of the state.
Political tensions have intensified as the August 15 poll approaches, with the APC and Accord trading accusations over violence, policing and the conduct of the election. Adeleke has repeatedly called for a free and fair contest, while the APC has rejected some of his allegations and accused him of attempting to create a misleading narrative around the election.
Fourteen political parties have been cleared to field candidates in the governorship election.
