‘TIT FOR TAT’: Tinubu Congratulates Adeleke, Osun Gov-Elect Backs President’s Re-election Bid

▪️ Why Tinubu deserves commendation over Osun election – Adeleke

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as Governor of Osun State, describing the PDP victory as a reflection of the will of the people. The congratulatory message has set the tone for what many are calling a new chapter of political civility between the federal government and Osun State.

In a statement released by the State House on Sunday, President Tinubu commended INEC, security agencies, and the people of Osun for conducting themselves peacefully during the August 16 governorship poll. He said democracy was the ultimate winner.

“The people of Osun have spoken, and democracy has prevailed,” Tinubu said. “I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory and urge him to continue to serve the people with dedication and integrity.”

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In what observers described as a “tit for tat” gesture of statesmanship, Governor Adeleke quickly returned the goodwill. Speaking to journalists in Osogbo hours after receiving the President’s message, Adeleke publicly backed President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

“President Tinubu deserves commendation for the Osun election,” Adeleke said. “Despite political differences, the federal government did not interfere. INEC was allowed to do its job, and security agencies remained neutral. That is how democracy should work.”

The Governor specifically praised the President for resisting pressure to use federal might to influence the outcome in Osun, a state traditionally seen as a swing state in southwest politics. He noted that the atmosphere before, during, and after the election was largely peaceful compared to previous cycles.

Adeleke said the conduct of the poll should serve as a template for future elections in Nigeria. “When the center allows the states to breathe, the people benefit. That is the kind of leadership President Tinubu has shown in Osun,” he added.

The exchange comes months after a period of political tension between the APC-led federal government and the PDP administration in Osun. Many analysts had predicted a fierce battle for the state, given its strategic importance ahead of 2027.

Political observers say Tinubu’s congratulatory message was strategic. As a former Lagos governor and national APC leader, endorsing a PDP governor’s victory helps project an image of a President above party politics, especially as he begins to consolidate support for a second term.

For Adeleke, backing Tinubu’s re-election is also calculated. With federal allocations, infrastructure projects, and security cooperation all tied to Abuja, the Governor appears to be positioning Osun to benefit from a cooperative relationship with the center.

“This is politics of interest, but also politics of maturity,” said a senior PDP chieftain in Osogbo who asked not to be named. “Adeleke is saying: we won, but we also need the federal government to deliver for our people.”

The APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, who also won his polling unit in the election, reacted cautiously. He acknowledged the President’s message but said the APC would “review the outcome and come back stronger in future elections.”

Civil society groups welcomed the mutual congratulations. Yiaga Africa said the exchange showed that “elections do not have to end in bitterness” and urged other politicians to emulate the gesture.

INEC also received praise from both sides. The Commission said the Osun poll recorded improved use of BVAS and early deployment of materials in most LGAs, though it acknowledged isolated cases of violence and technical glitches that are being investigated.

As Osun moves into a new four-year term under Adeleke, the “tit for tat” between him and President Tinubu may define federal-state relations going forward. For now, the message from both leaders is clear: election over, governance begins — and Osun voters will be watching to see if the new cooperation delivers real dividends.

NOP NIGERIA