Former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr Yemi Farounbi, has warned that Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, could suffer political setbacks following his public endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Farounbi said Adeleke’s move could backfire if it wasn’t backed by a solid agreement with the President. The governor, along with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun, recently threw his support behind Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
Reacting to the development, Farounbi said while the endorsement would certainly please the President—especially given Osun’s strategic importance in the South-West—it could end up costing Adeleke and the PDP dearly if not properly managed.
“I believe the PDP is just muddling through without careful thought,” Farounbi said. “All the excuses given for not proceeding with the planned movement of PDP should have been considered before making a public announcement. A deal ought to have been sealed before making a pronouncement.”
He noted that since the endorsement, the PDP had already suffered defections, including two senators and some House of Representatives members switching allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Farounbi stressed that the endorsement could undermine the PDP’s chances unless it comes with concrete assurances of reciprocal support from Tinubu. He pointed out that, unlike in Delta and Akwa Ibom states where both presidential and gubernatorial elections will hold in 2027, Osun’s governorship election comes a year earlier, in 2026.
“The president can afford to wait to know the winner before deciding on which party to woo,” he said.
Farounbi also acknowledged Tinubu’s strong ties to Osun and the strategic need for the President to secure votes from the state. He warned, however, that Adeleke’s action might be viewed as a betrayal of the PDP’s eventual presidential candidate, unless there is already a clear understanding with the President.
“In the final analysis, Governor Adeleke may be the loser, unless this recent declaration has the blessing of PBAT. Otherwise, it could be a leap in the dark. I hope not,” Farounbi concluded.
