Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Kalu, has said Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory in the Osun State governorship election will not affect President Bola Tinubu’s chances of securing re-election in 2027.
Kalu congratulated Adeleke on his re-election, describing the outcome of Saturday’s election as a reflection of democracy. He said the result should instead motivate the All Progressives Congress to strengthen its structures and reconnect with voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by his media office on Sunday, the former governor said Tinubu’s political prospects in Osun State remained “very bright.”
He called on APC leaders and supporters to remain encouraged, urging them to review the party’s strategies, improve its grassroots presence and strengthen engagement with voters and other stakeholders.
“I join President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in congratulating Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as the Governor of Osun State. I also sympathise with the APC leadership, our party’s governorship candidate and all our supporters over the outcome of the election,” Kalu said.
Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, defeated the APC’s Bola Oyebamiji in the closely fought election, which was regarded as a major political test ahead of the 2027 elections.
“What happened in Osun is democracy in play. Elections are about the choice of the people, and as a party, we should be able to come back stronger,” Kalu said.
The senator also praised the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, for his contributions to the state’s development, while appealing to APC members to remain united and focused.
Kalu said the APC’s defeat in Osun should not be interpreted as a rejection of Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He argued that the President could still enjoy widespread support in the state, stressing that political alliances and backing for Tinubu could come from stakeholders and supporters of parties outside the APC.
“The future of President Bola Tinubu in Osun State is very bright. The outcome of this election is not a setback for Mr. President. Rather, it gives us another opportunity to strengthen our relationship with the people and work together for the success of Nigeria,” Kalu said.
He described the election as a learning opportunity for the APC, urging the party to use the period before 2027 to rebuild its grassroots structures and improve its relationship with the electorate.
Kalu also urged political stakeholders to accept the election result and concentrate on strengthening democracy, national unity and development in the country.