African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke over his decision to support President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027, accusing the governor of helping to extend what he described as the damage being done to Nigeria.
Sowore made the remarks following Adeleke’s re-election as Osun State governor, arguing that the governor’s endorsement of Tinubu was politically motivated and would have consequences beyond the 2027 presidential election.
Adeleke had openly endorsed Tinubu’s re-election earlier in the year, explaining that the decision was made in what he considered the best interest of Osun State and the Yoruba people. The governor described Tinubu as “our own son, father and leader” and argued that supporting him went beyond partisan politics.
Adeleke’s position has, however, attracted criticism from opposition figures, particularly because he was seeking re-election under the Accord Party while expressing support for Tinubu, who is expected to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
Sowore, who has consistently criticised the Tinubu administration, seized on the governor’s endorsement to question Adeleke’s political decision. He argued that supporting Tinubu would amount to contributing to the continuation of policies he believes have worsened the country’s economic and social conditions.
The controversy surrounding Adeleke’s relationship with Tinubu has been ongoing for months. In June, the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, confirmed that Adeleke had previously met with Tinubu and later endorsed the President’s re-election bid. He said the governor’s decision followed what he described as considerations surrounding Osun’s interests and federal development projects in the state.
Adeleke has also pointed to ongoing federal projects, including the reconstruction of the Ilesa-Ife-Ibadan Expressway, as part of the reasons for maintaining a cooperative relationship with the Presidency. He has additionally appealed to the Federal Government over the reconstruction of other major roads in Osun State.
The governor’s position has not been universally accepted within the Accord Party. In April, the party’s recognised national leadership denied reports that it had endorsed Tinubu and maintained that its immediate focus was Adeleke’s Osun governorship campaign.
There have also been competing positions within the Accord structure. In July, a faction led by former presidential candidate Chris Imumolen announced its support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election and backed the APC candidate in the Osun governorship election, while the Accord leadership recognised by INEC continued to present Adeleke as its candidate.
The political debate therefore goes beyond Adeleke and Sowore, reflecting the growing realignment of political forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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