Re-elected Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied entering into any political agreement with President Bola Tinubu in exchange for his support for the President’s 2027 re-election bid.

Adeleke said his decision to support Tinubu was based on his belief that the President, as a Yoruba man from the South-West, should be encouraged to continue development projects and reforms in the region.

The governor made the clarification during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

Asked whether his endorsement was connected to a political arrangement, particularly following Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo’s remark that “agreement is agreement,” Adeleke rejected the suggestion.

Adeleke explained that he wanted Tinubu to continue with projects he believed would benefit the South-West, particularly federal infrastructure projects.

“No, I never reached agreement with Mr President. My support is just based on, he’s a Yoruba man, and he’s from the South-West, and I believe that all the federal roads that he has started, I want to encourage him not to forget the South-West too because all our federal roads lead to other regions.

“And I feel like, well, since a Yoruba man has won the first term, maybe we should give him another chance to develop his reforms.”

Adeleke reaffirms support for Tinubu

The governor also reaffirmed his willingness to support Tinubu strongly in the 2027 presidential election.

Asked if he would support the President, Adeleke said he was prepared to participate in the campaign in whatever capacity Tinubu required.

“Whenever Mr President, when it’s time for him to campaign and all that, whatever how he wants me to come in, I will do it,” Adeleke replied.

His renewed endorsement came after he had, in his victory speech following the Osun governorship election, reaffirmed his support for Tinubu’s bid for a second term.

Adeleke willing to work with APC members

The governor said he was also prepared to work with members of the APC, including his defeated governorship opponent, Bola Oyebamiji, and former Osun governor Gboyega Oyetola, if that would contribute to Tinubu’s campaign.

“Well, as long as it’s … I’m doing it for Mr. President. So I wouldn’t mind; I will work with them,” he said.

Adeleke maintained that his support was not tied to a political bargain and said he would work with the President in whatever capacity was required when the 2027 campaign begins.

Keyamo had earlier appeared to suggest that an agreement existed after Adeleke renewed his support for Tinubu, prompting further political discussion over the nature of the relationship between the Osun governor and the President. Adeleke’s campaign council has also rejected suggestions of any political deal.

Adeleke wins Osun governorship election

Adeleke’s position followed his re-election as Osun governor in the August 15 governorship election.

He secured 511,067 votes to defeat APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes. ADC candidate Najeem Salaam came third with 17,180 votes.

The victory gives Adeleke another term in office and has increased attention on his political position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adeleke has maintained that his support for Tinubu is based on his desire to see continued development in the South-West rather than any political bargain between them.

The governor also said he was prepared to work across party lines where necessary, particularly when such cooperation would serve the interests of Osun State and contribute to the President’s re-election campaign.