Oyetola: Tinubu’s Endorsement Won’t Save Adeleke from Defeat in Osun

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has said Governor Ademola Adeleke’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu will not prevent the All Progressives Congress from defeating him in the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

Oyetola made the statement on Saturday while speaking to APC leaders, members and supporters during a political gathering in the state.

The former Osun governor was reacting to claims by Adeleke that APC leaders and members of the Accord Party were facing intimidation ahead of the election.

Oyetola said Adeleke’s recent complaints showed that the governor was becoming concerned about the strength of the APC and its candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the poll.

He maintained that Adeleke’s support for Tinubu would not change the outcome of the governorship contest or stop the APC from seeking to take back control of Osun.

According to Oyetola, the governor could endorse the President several times, but such political support would not guarantee his return to office after the election.

Oyetola also dismissed Adeleke’s repeated references to him, saying he had chosen not to engage the governor in constant public exchanges.

The minister accused Adeleke of making him a regular subject of discussion despite his decision to focus on the APC campaign and its candidate.

Adeleke is seeking another term in office and is contesting the August 15 election on the platform of the Accord Party. He will face Oyebamiji of the APC and candidates from other political parties.

The contest has increasingly centred on Adeleke and Oyebamiji, with both political camps stepping up their activities across the state as the election draws closer.

Tensions have also risen in the state, with rival political groups making allegations of intimidation, violence and arrests involving their supporters.

Adeleke and members of his campaign team have accused the APC of putting pressure on Accord members following reported arrests and searches involving some party leaders and government officials.

The APC has rejected the allegations and maintained its campaign to return the party to power in Osun.

Oyetola and Adeleke have a history of political rivalry. Oyetola served as Osun governor from 2018 to 2022 before losing his re-election bid to Adeleke in the 2022 governorship election.

Four years later, the two remain on opposing sides of the political battle, with Oyetola now backing Oyebamiji as the APC seeks to defeat Adeleke and regain control of the state.