The Imole Campaign Council of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has rejected suggestions that the governor’s endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election was the result of a political agreement between the two leaders.
The council maintained that Adeleke’s position was driven by his assessment of Tinubu’s performance and the impact of the President’s economic reforms on states, rather than by any private arrangement or political bargain.
The clarification was issued by the council’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, in a post on his X account on Sunday.
Keyamo’s Comment Sparks Speculation
Olajengbesi’s response followed a congratulatory message from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, after Adeleke secured victory in the Osun governorship election.
While congratulating the governor on his re-election, Keyamo thanked Adeleke for publicly endorsing Tinubu’s bid for a second term and described him as a “man of integrity and honour.”
The minister concluded his message with the statement, “Agreement is agreement,” prompting speculation among some observers that the endorsement may have been connected to an earlier political understanding.
Adeleke’s Camp Insists There Was No Deal
Responding directly to Keyamo’s remarks, Olajengbesi dismissed the suggestion of an agreement and warned against allowing the minister’s comment to diminish the significance of the election result.
“Do not undermine the resilience of Osun people. There is no agreement,” he stated.
The campaign council spokesperson further explained that Adeleke’s support for Tinubu was based on what he described as the President’s economic performance and reforms.
“Our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, @officialABAT, is based on his performance and reforms that have strengthened states economically,” Olajengbesi said.
Council Credits Osun Voters for Adeleke’s Victory
Olajengbesi also sought to draw a clear distinction between Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu and the governor’s victory at the polls.
According to him, Adeleke’s re-election was determined by the people of Osun State, while the President’s role was limited to ensuring that democratic procedures were followed.
“Osun people voted @AAdeleke_01. President Tinubu simply ensured democratic rules were respected,” he said.
The remarks appeared aimed at countering suggestions that federal political influence or an alleged arrangement had secured Adeleke’s second term.
Adeleke Secures Second Term
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, the winner of the August 15 governorship election.
He polled 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who recorded 444,815 votes.
The result secured Adeleke another four-year term in office and reinforced his political standing in the state.
Governor Reaffirms Support for Tinubu
Before Keyamo’s reaction, Adeleke had publicly reaffirmed his backing for Tinubu’s bid to remain President after the 2027 election.
The Osun governor described Tinubu as a son of the state while expressing his support for the President’s re-election campaign.
Keyamo’s subsequent reference to an “agreement” brought renewed attention to the relationship between the two politicians.
Political Interpretation Continues
Although Adeleke’s camp has now firmly denied the existence of any political pact, Keyamo’s wording has continued to fuel debate over the circumstances surrounding the governor’s endorsement.
The campaign council, however, insists that its position is straightforward: Adeleke’s support for Tinubu is based on the administration’s performance and perceived benefits of its reforms, while the governor’s victory in Osun was the result of the electorate’s decision.
