Governor Ademola Adeleke has explained that his endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027 was motivated by moral conviction and the need for sustained development in Osun State and the South-West region.
In a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor made the remarks after inspecting the ongoing reconstruction of the Ibadan-Ile Ife-Ilesa Expressway on Sunday.
Adeleke commended President Tinubu for supporting critical infrastructure projects across Osun State and the South-West, describing his endorsement as one that goes beyond party lines.
According to the governor, the decision reflects the collective interest of Osun residents and the Yoruba people.
“The endorsement transcends political affiliation. It is about the shared interest of Osun people and the Yoruba nation,” Adeleke stated.
He added that President Tinubu deserved support as “our own son, father and leader,” stressing that he needed no persuasion before publicly backing the President’s re-election ambition.
“I am the governor of the ancestral home of Mr President. How can I hesitate in embracing one of our own leading the nation?” he said.
The governor also remarked that Osun people considered themselves fortunate to have Tinubu as President, while joking that Babajide Sanwo-Olu might argue Lagos was even luckier.
Speaking on infrastructure, Adeleke praised the quality and pace of work on the Ibadan-Ile Ife-Ilesa Expressway, noting that the project would improve transportation, ease movement and boost economic activities across major towns in the state.
He further disclosed that his administration had rehabilitated several federal roads since assuming office in 2022, while over 300 kilometres of state roads had been reconstructed across Osun.
The governor appealed to the Federal Government to refund the state for federal road rehabilitation projects already executed, while appreciating approvals granted for the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo Road and the Gbongan-Akoda Road.
Adeleke also revealed plans to seek presidential approval for the reconstruction of the Osogbo-Ilesa Road, noting that additional federal intervention would accelerate infrastructure development in the state.
On the political front, the governor assured residents that his administration would guarantee free and fair elections in Osun State, insisting that democracy would prevail ahead of the August 15 governorship election and beyond.