Why Endorsing Tinubu Won’t Stop Adeleke From Losing In Osun — Oyetola

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has told Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to prepare for defeat in Saturday’s governorship election, stating that his endorsement of President Bola Tinubu will not protect his administration.

Oyetola made this known on Saturday while addressing All Progressives Congress stakeholders and supporters in Osun State.

The former governor, who lost his re-election bid to Adeleke in 2022, was responding to allegations by the governor that APC members and leaders of the Accord Party were facing intimidation ahead of the August 15 poll.

Speaking in Yoruba, Oyetola stated that Adeleke’s complaints were a clear sign that the governor had realised he was losing his grip on the state.

He emphasized that Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu would not prevent the APC from reclaiming the governorship seat.

Oyetola said, “They realised that they are already losing out. Then they claimed to have endorsed us. He almost cried. Endorsement cannot retain this seat for you. We are taking it over. If you like, make 10 endorsements, we will collect this one from you.”

The minister also dismissed Adeleke’s frequent references to him, noting that he had intentionally avoided engaging the governor in public bickering.

He said, “If he sleeps and has nightmares, he will say he saw me. If his wife gave him food late, he would say I’m responsible for that. My name is so sweet in his mouth. Meanwhile, we are not even interested in his case. If we get interested in his case, he will feel it.”

Adeleke is contesting the upcoming election on the platform of the Accord Party, going head-to-head with APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji and other contenders.

The political climate in Osun remains tense as both sides trade accusations over intimidation and arrests, while Oyetola and the APC push strongly to return the party to power.