The spokesperson for the Ademola Adeleke Governorship Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu did not support Governor Ademola Adeleke during the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
Olajengbesi said Adeleke’s victory was driven by his popularity and the goodwill he enjoys among the people of Osun State.
Speaking on the outcome of the election, he described the result as a clear reflection of the people’s desire for Adeleke to remain governor for a second term.
He also dismissed suggestions that Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu for a second term in 2027 contributed significantly to the governor’s victory.
According to him, Tinubu did not provide any support to Adeleke, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) allegedly deployed government machinery and resources in support of its candidate.
Olajengbesi said Adeleke won despite what he described as intimidation and pressure during the election.
On Adeleke’s decision to endorse Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, the campaign spokesperson said the governor’s position was based on his assessment of the Federal Government’s impact on state governments.
He argued that increased allocations and other federal resources had helped states meet their obligations, including payment of salaries and funding of infrastructure.
Olajengbesi, however, acknowledged that some Osun residents were unhappy with Adeleke’s decision to support Tinubu immediately after winning the governorship election, particularly because of what he described as the treatment of the state during the election.
He maintained that the people of Osun would follow Adeleke’s political direction in 2027.
Olajengbesi Alleges N50,000 Vote Buying
The campaign spokesperson also alleged that the August 15 election was heavily monetised by the APC.
He claimed that APC supporters paid as much as N50,000 per voter in his constituency, alleging that some voters collected the money but still voted for Adeleke.
Olajengbesi said he was preparing a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling for an investigation into funds allegedly deployed by the APC during the election.
He alleged that as much as N110 billion may have been moved into Osun State for the election, although he acknowledged that another figure being discussed was N60 billion.
He further alleged that the money was brought into the state in cash and distributed across local government areas.
The APC has denied allegations of wrongdoing surrounding the election.
‘APC Is Bitter About the Result’
Reacting to the APC’s rejection of the election result, Olajengbesi described the party’s position as a reaction to its defeat.
He argued that despite what he described as an election that was not completely free and fair, the process remained credible because voters turned out and results were transmitted.
He also dismissed claims that the election result was fundamentally compromised, insisting that the Adeleke campaign had access to results transmitted through the INEC Result Viewing portal and was aware of the outcome before the final collation.
Olajengbesi maintained that Adeleke’s victory represented the choice of Osun voters and that the governor’s support among the electorate was the decisive factor in the election.
