Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has clarified that the alliance between him and his political partners is strictly aimed at securing President Bola Tinubu's re-election, with no agreement on other elective positions. According to Adeleke, the understanding between him and his partners was limited to the presidential election, dismissing reports that positions in the Senate, House of Representatives, Osun State House of Assembly, and local government councils had been shared between Accord and the APC.
Adeleke's clarification followed claims circulating on social media that an alleged agreement between him and the Presidency ahead of the 2027 elections included a sharing arrangement for elective positions in the state. In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke described the reports as "mere fabrication and fake news". He emphasized that the discussions surrounding the local government crisis were intended to protect the interests of various stakeholders and restore grassroots administration.
The governor assured residents that the local government crisis would be resolved before the end of the year, while maintaining that negotiations over the dispute did not amount to an agreement to concede legislative seats to the APC. Adeleke stated that stakeholders recognized the restoration of grassroots governance as necessary for their political activities ahead of the 2027 elections. He added that all stakeholders agree that restoring grassroots governance is a condition for their successful campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.
Adeleke reaffirmed his support for Tinubu's re-election, stressing that the presidential alliance would not prevent the participating parties from pursuing their separate interests in other elections. He stated that the objective of the coalition is to bring political stakeholders together to ensure Tinubu secures another term in office, without extending the arrangement to legislative contests. According to Adeleke, partners agreed to join hands to ensure the President is re-elected.
The governor stated that Accord would field candidates for the legislative elections and that he would personally campaign for them, ruling out any arrangement to share the positions with the APC. Adeleke urged the political parties involved in the presidential coalition to support their respective candidates in the other elections, noting that the electorate would determine the winners. He emphasized that all candidates would face the electorate, who have the final say.
Adeleke pledged to campaign for Accord candidates in the National Assembly and Osun State House of Assembly elections, insisting that all candidates must face the electorate. He concluded that there is no deal on the National Assembly and the State Assembly elections. The governor's statement aims to douse tensions and clarify the nature of the alliance between Accord and the APC.
The development is significant as it provides clarity on the nature of the alliance between Accord and the APC in Osun State. Adeleke's clarification is expected to have implications for the 2027 elections, particularly in the state. The governor's commitment to resolving the local government crisis and ensuring a smooth transition is crucial for the success of the 2027 elections.
Key points
- Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke rules out any agreement to share legislative and local government positions with the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- Adeleke clarifies that the alliance with the APC is strictly aimed at securing President Bola Tinubu's re-election.
- The governor pledges to campaign for Accord candidates in the National Assembly and Osun State House of Assembly elections.
