Following the August 15 Osun State governorship election, All Progressives Congress National Secretary Ajibola Basiru visited Governor Ademola Adeleke in Osogbo. Basiru disclosed that Adeleke has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election and plans to campaign vigorously for him, targeting roughly 1.5 million votes in the state.
Political dynamics in Osun State have taken an unexpected turn following the August 15 gubernatorial contest. National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru paid a courtesy visit to Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke at the Government House in Osogbo.
The meeting brought together fierce political adversaries from the recent election cycle. Basiru admitted openly that he had actively worked and campaigned vigorously against Adeleke, supporting the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, instead.
Personal Gratitude Overrides Party Lines in Osogbo
Despite the high stakes of the Osun governorship race—which saw The Independent National Electoral Commission declare Adeleke the winner with 511,067 votes against Oyebamiji’s 444,815 votes across 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas—Basiru explained that personal acts of charity during a time of bereavement superseded partisan animosity.
Basiru noted that Adeleke had traveled personally to his home and attended the final burial rites for his late mother earlier in the year. He stated that he could not allow political rivalry to overshadow that gesture.
“You are the chief executive officer, and you still find time. And not only that you came to my personal house to extend your condolences to me, you also frontally attended. I cannot, because of politics, gloss over that act of charity.”
Senator Ajibola Basiru, APC National Secretary, via Politics Nigeria
Reflecting further on the electoral outcome, Basiru acknowledged the democratic reality of the contest. Allah (God) alone can give power to whoever He wants
, he remarked, while formally congratulating the governor on his victory.
Securing Osun State for President Bola Tinubu in 2027
Beyond clearing the air over the local election, the closed-door discussions centered heavily on national politics. Basiru revealed that Governor Adeleke has maintained his prior endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and committed to joining the campaign trail.
According to the APC National Secretary, a strategic cooperation between the ruling party and Adeleke’s Accord platform could yield approximately 1.5 million votes for Tinubu in the January 16 presidential election. Basiru pointed to the APC’s 46% vote share in the recent governorship contest as a solid foundation for building that broader electoral coalition.
“The governor, during our closed-door meeting, has also said that not only is he endorsing the President, but he will also be on the field to campaign vigorously for President Bola Tinubu for the January 16 presidential election.”
Dr. Ajibola Basiru, APC National Secretary, via The Real Media NG
Governor Adeleke Emphasizes Integrity and Abuja Consultations
Responding to the APC scribe, Governor Adeleke stressed that his political alliances are governed by personal integrity rather than temporary convenience. Recalling his past efforts to rally Osun lawmakers behind Senator Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abbas for the leadership of the National Assembly, the governor insisted he honors commitments once made.
“I don’t make empty promises. When I said we will deliver Osun State votes to our dear father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I mean it 100 per cent.”
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, via Politics Nigeria
The visit to Osogbo follows a week of Abuja engagements for Adeleke. After securing his return to office, the governor traveled to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, where he met with President Tinubu, presented his certificate of return, and thanked the administration for enabling a free and fair electoral process. Following his meeting at the presidency, Adeleke also held consultations with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
Path Forward for Osun Stakeholders
Both leaders used the platform to urge local politicians, residents, and transport groups such as the National Union of Road Transport Workers to lay aside post-election hostilities. Basiru and Adeleke emphasized that partisan friction must not stall infrastructure development or peace within the state.
With political machinery beginning to pivot toward the 2027 general elections, the alignment between Osun’s leadership and the national ruling party sets a tone for cross-party relations in the region.
