Why we endorse Tinubu for second term — Adeleke

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has explained the decision of his administration and political associates to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027, describing it as “a moral and development-driven action in the best interest of Osun and the Yoruba people at large.”

In a statement issued on Monday in Osogbo by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke described President Tinubu as “our own son, father and leader” who deserves support beyond political considerations.

“I am the governor of the ancestral home of Mr President. How can I have my own son in the saddle and hesitate to embrace him? I need no persuasion to act, as I have repeatedly declared our endorsement of Mr President,” Adeleke said.

“How many governors are as lucky as I am? Well, my brother, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, may claim to be luckier. But we in Osun State count ourselves fortunate and privileged to have one of our illustrious sons and fathers at the helm of affairs in Nigeria,” he added.

The governor stressed that his support for Tinubu transcends partisan politics, while commending the Federal Government for ongoing infrastructure projects in Osun State, particularly the reconstruction of the Ilesa-Ile Ife-Ibadan Expressway.

“I am delighted with the speed and quality of work. The reconstruction will further expand and ease access to major centres in Osun State and complement my administration’s accelerated infrastructure development across towns and villages,” he stated.

Adeleke noted that his administration had also rehabilitated several federal roads since assuming office in 2022, adding that the state government hopes to receive refunds for the interventions.

“At the state level, over 300 kilometres of roads have been reconstructed. We are hopeful that Mr President will soon approve the refund for the rehabilitated federal roads,” he said.

The governor also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo Road and the Gbongan-Akoda Road.

“I also hope to write to Mr President to seek approval for the reconstruction of the Osogbo-Ilesa Road,” he added.

Speaking on the forthcoming local government election in the state, Adeleke said President Tinubu had consistently advocated free and fair elections, assuring residents that his administration would ensure a credible electoral process.

“As a government, we will deploy every lawful means to guarantee a free and fair election on August 15 and beyond. We know and believe that the President means well for Osun State,” the governor said.