Adeleke Explains Why He Supports Tinubu, Says No Agreement Was Reached
By Efe Onodjae
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has explained that his decision to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not the result of any political agreement between them.
Adeleke said his support for the President is influenced partly by the fact that Tinubu is a Yoruba man and by the development projects being undertaken by the Federal Government.
The governor made the remarks during an appearance on Sunday Politics, where he discussed his relationship with Tinubu, his political position and developments surrounding the 2027 general elections.
His comments came after Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, congratulated Adeleke on his electoral victory and described him as a man of integrity and honour.
Keyamo had also written, “Agreement is agreement,” prompting questions about whether Adeleke had reached an understanding with President Tinubu.
Responding to the issue, Adeleke said there was no agreement between him and the President.
“No, I did not reach an agreement with Mr President,” the governor said.
Why Adeleke says he supports Tinubu
Adeleke explained that his backing for Tinubu was based on his personal assessment of the President’s leadership and his belief that the administration should be encouraged to continue its development programmes.
He particularly pointed to ongoing federal road projects and appealed to the President to ensure that Osun State also benefits from such infrastructure initiatives.
According to Adeleke, his support is partly rooted in the fact that Tinubu is the first Yoruba president in the current political era to win the presidency, and he believes the President should be given an opportunity to pursue his reforms.
The governor also expressed hope that more federal projects would be extended to Osun, particularly projects aimed at improving road connections between the state and other parts of Nigeria.
Adeleke open to working with Tinubu’s allies
The Osun governor further indicated that he was willing to cooperate with political actors associated with President Tinubu, provided their activities were genuinely intended to support the President.
Adeleke said he would not object to working with such individuals if their political activities were carried out in support of Tinubu.
Also Read: Keyamo Hails Adeleke After Fresh Endorsement of Tinubu for 2027↗
His position suggests that his willingness to cooperate with members of the President’s political camp does not necessarily mean he has decided to abandon his current political platform.
Governor rules out immediate return to APC
Despite his support for Tinubu, Adeleke said he was not currently considering a return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
When asked about the possibility of rejoining the ruling party, the governor said such a move was not on his agenda at the moment.
He stressed that his decision to support the President should not automatically be interpreted as an indication that he intends to return to the APC.
Adeleke speaks on political disputes
The governor also addressed some of the political disagreements surrounding his administration.
Adeleke said he was interested in moving beyond the political disputes connected to the 2026 election and finding political solutions to unresolved matters.
He explained that discussions were already being held over the local government dispute, while other outstanding issues were also being addressed through political engagement.
Governor discusses EFCC-related issues
Adeleke also spoke about legal issues involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the governor, President Tinubu intervened in the matter and asked him to discontinue the case.
Adeleke said he accepted the President’s intervention after Tinubu personally contacted him.
The governor also disclosed that his administration was taking steps to address the detention of some of his supporters, whose release he had previously sought.
Adeleke’s comments come amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with alliances and relationships between state governors and the Federal Government expected to remain a major issue in Nigerian politics.
