The Osun State Government has defended Governor Ademola Adeleke’s decision to support President Bola Tinubu’s bid for another term, saying the endorsement was made well before the governor’s recent electoral victory.
Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, made the clarification during an interview on Arise TV, urging residents not to interpret the governor’s support for Tinubu as a political response to the outcome of the election.
Rasheed stressed that Adeleke had publicly backed the President before the latest poll, describing the endorsement as a deliberate decision rather than one influenced by the governor’s electoral success.
“The endorsement predates this election victory,” he said.
According to the governor’s aide, Adeleke’s position is primarily aimed at securing greater federal attention, projects and development for Osun State.
He cited major road projects, including the Ilesa-Ibadan Road, Osogbo-Ibadan Road and Gbongan-Osogbo Road, as examples of federal infrastructure initiatives that could benefit the state.
Rasheed maintained that the governor’s relationship with the Federal Government should be viewed from the perspective of what he considers beneficial to the people of Osun rather than through a purely partisan lens.
He added that Adeleke’s support for Tinubu was based on his assessment of the state’s interests and the need to attract continued development.
“Mr Governor is only doing the right thing that is in the best interest of Osun people,” Rasheed stated.
The clarification comes amid political discussions following the Osun election, with Adeleke’s alignment with Tinubu attracting attention from supporters and opponents across the political spectrum.
