Tinubu alliance is limited to 2027 presidential election, I will back Accord candidates — Gov Adeleke

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied reaching an agreement with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to share legislative and local government positions ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke said the clarification was necessary following social media reports alleging that he had reached an agreement with the presidency to distribute political positions between the APC and Accord.

The reports claimed that local government positions, as well as seats in the Senate, House of Representatives and Osun State House of Assembly, had been shared between the two parties ahead of the elections.

Adeleke, who is a member of President Bola Tinubu’s campaign council, dismissed the reports as “mere fabrication and fake news”.

He explained that discussions aimed at resolving the local government crisis in the state were intended to protect the interests of APC chairmen and elected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmen and councillors.

“As the governor of all Osun indigenes and residents, we are working to resolve the local government matter by ensuring that all interests are protected and cared for,” the statement reads.

The governor expressed optimism that the crisis would be resolved before the end of the year, noting that restoring grassroots governance was essential to a successful campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.

Adeleke reiterated his support for Tinubu’s re-election but stressed that the political understanding among coalition partners applied only to the presidential contest.

“As I said while inaugurating the presidential campaign council, the coalition is targeted at the presidential election. Partners agreed to join hands to ensure our dear president is re-elected. All other legislative positions are open for competition,” he said.

He added that he would campaign for Accord candidates contesting seats in the Senate, House of Representatives and state assembly.

“I urge all political parties to campaign for their candidates as I will do for Accord candidates. We have no deal on the National Assembly and the State Assembly elections. All our candidates will face the electorate, who have the final say,” he added.

On October 22, some prominent Osun APC leaders were absent from the inauguration of the 344-member campaign council established by Adeleke to lead Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the state.

However, former Osun governor Bisi Akande attended the event alongside other APC chieftains, including the party’s national secretary, Ajibola Basiru, and former national secretary Iyiola Omisore.