The endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term by Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and the Osun chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sparked mixed reactions within the party’s leadership.
The endorsement, which came after a PDP caucus meeting held on Monday at the Osun State Government House in Osogbo, declared support for Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 presidential election, citing his ancestral ties to Osun as a key factor. The meeting featured prominent PDP figures, including Governor Adeleke, his deputy Kola Adewusi, former governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Senator Lere Oyewumi, Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly Adewale Egbedun, and other top state officials.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the caucus noted:
“The PDP in Osun State recognises that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a son of the state, being his ancestral home. Therefore, we adopt and endorse him for re-election in 2027.”
The communiqué also reaffirmed support for Governor Adeleke’s re-election bid in 2026 and stressed that both the governor and all PDP members in Osun would remain in the party, dismissing rumours of Adeleke’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Adeleke also addressed the rumours directly via his official social media account, affirming that he has no intention of leaving the PDP.
However, the endorsement has been met with criticism from within the PDP.
Dr. Eddy Olafeso, the PDP National Vice Chairman (South West), described the action as a clear case of anti-party activity, stating:
“I don’t understand how you can belong to one party and declare support for another. Our constitution does not allow this, and there will be consequences in due time.”
Olafeso dismissed the notion that such moves are a regular part of the PDP’s politics, adding that while the party is in a stabilisation phase, it must uphold its foundational principles and discipline.
Also speaking, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, echoed similar sentiments. He expressed optimism that the ongoing reconciliation and restructuring efforts, led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, would help restore unity and loyalty among party members:
“If things go well, many who previously expressed distrust will recommit to the party’s vision.”
Meanwhile, PDP leaders in other states offered varied perspectives.
In Oyo State, PDP Chairman Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro described the Osun endorsement as not unusual, noting that in Nigerian politics, alliances often shift based on local dynamics and personal interests:
“Politics is about realignment and coalition. In Osun, where President Tinubu has ancestral roots, this kind of move is not entirely surprising.”
He added that while Adeleke is likely confident of a second term based on his achievements, political pressure and behind-the-scenes negotiations may be influencing decisions.
Elsewhere, the PDP Chairman in Abia State, Austin Nwachuku, stated that the Osun PDP is within its democratic rights to make such an endorsement. He noted:
“In a democracy, people have the freedom to express their views. The governor likely spoke from a personal standpoint and not necessarily the party’s national position.”
Despite the mixed reactions, the development highlights the growing complexities within the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections, with internal factions, regional loyalties, and shifting political calculations beginning to shape the party’s direction.
Efforts to get further comments from the Osun State Government were unsuccessful as of press time.
