By Erewunmi Peace

In a surprising political development, Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement was made during a PDP stakeholders’ meeting held in Osogbo on Monday, July 22, and attended by top political figures within the state. In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, the party leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the PDP while expressing full support for Tinubu, describing him as a “distinguished son of Osun State.”

“We declare our full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the spirit of Omoluabi and as a proud son of the soil,” the statement read.

Signatories to the Communique Included:

Governor Ademola Adeleke

Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi

Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun

Former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola

Senator Lere Oyewumi (Osun West)

PDP State Chairman, Sunday Bisi

And 24 other prominent PDP stakeholders

The leaders also used the platform to endorse Governor Adeleke for a second term in office ahead of the 2026 Osun gubernatorial election, pledging to stand by him as he continues implementing his five-point development agenda.

Adeleke: “I’m Not Leaving PDP”

Despite earlier speculation of a possible defection to the APC, Governor Adeleke made it clear that he remains firmly rooted in the PDP, stating:

“I remain a proud member of the PDP. However, as a son of Osun, I join others in backing Tinubu for national continuity and stability.”

Background

The endorsement comes amid strategic political calculations leading up to the 2027 general elections. Tinubu, although a member of the APC, hails from the Southwest region, with strong historical and political ties to Osun State. Analysts see this endorsement as a move to foster regional unity and secure federal support while maintaining local PDP dominance.