Why I’m supporting Tinubu’s second term ambition- Gov. Adeleke

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Osun governor Ademola Adeleke has justified the decision of his government and political group to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027 despite political differences.

Adeleke said his support for Tinubu’s second term ambition was as a “moral and development driven action in the best interest of Osun state and Yoruba people at large”.

The Osun governor who is a member of Accord party spoke after he inspected ongoing construction of Ibadan – Ile Ife – Ilesa expressway on Sunday evening, according to a statement by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, his spokesperson.

He described Tinubu, a member of the All-Progressives Congress, APC as “our own son, father and leader” who deserve our support beyond political considerations.

“I am the governor of the ancestral birthplace of Mr President. How can I have my own in the saddle and think twice before embracing him? I need no persuasion to act as I have declared repeatedly, our endorsement of Mr President.

“How many Governors are as lucky as me? Well, my brother, Governor Sanwoolu of Lagos state will claim to be luckier. But we, in Osun state, count ourselves lucky and privileged to have one of our illustrious sons and father at the helm of affairs of Nigeria”, the governor noted.

Describing his decision as beyond partisan consideration, the governor reaffirmed his stance in support of President Tinubu and expressed gratitude of the state to Mr President for the ongoing construction of Ilesa- Ile Ife- Ibadan Express way.

“I am elated at the speed and quality of work. The reconstruction will further widen and ease access to major centers of Osun state and complement my administration’s accelerated infrastructure deliveries across towns and villages.

“Our administration has also rehabilitated a number of federal roads from 2022 to date. At the state level, over 300 kilometres of state roads have been reconstructed. We are hoping Mr President will soon authorise payment of refund for those rehabilitated federal roads.

“We however again convey our appreciation to Mr. President for the approval of reconstruction of Ibadan- Iwo road- Osogbo as well as Gbongan-Akoda road. I hope to write to Mr President to further approve the Osogbo — Ilesa road for reconstruction”, the governor noted.

He said his decision to support the President will not affect the governorship contest between him and the candidate of APC in Osun scheduled for 15 August.

“As a governor of the president’s ancestral state, we will not allow selfish politicians such as the President’s cousin, Gboyega Oyetola, to tarnish the image of Mr President in Osun state. With God and people, democracy shall triumph on August 15.

“Mr President has repeatedly advocated free and fair elections. As a government, we will deploy all means within the law to ensure free and fair election on August 15 and beyond. We know and believe the President meant well for Osun state”, the governor declared.