Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, is intensifying efforts to retain political control of the state as he seeks a second term in office, amid a fiercely contested governorship race.
Adeleke is facing strong competition from candidates of major political parties, with the contest shaped by shifting political alliances, party realignments and intense rivalry among political actors across the state.
The governor’s re-election bid has also been linked to his growing political engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national political structure. Adeleke had reportedly pledged to support Tinubu’s second-term ambition while simultaneously working to secure his own return to the Osun State Government House.
The political calculations have added an interesting dimension to the Osun contest, particularly as the governor’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faced internal challenges and changing alliances ahead of the election.
Adeleke is banking on his administration’s record, grassroots support and political structure as he seeks to convince voters to give him another four years in office.
However, the opposition has continued to challenge the governor’s record and campaign for a change of government, making the election a major test of Adeleke’s popularity and political strength.
The contest has also attracted considerable attention because of Osun’s history of closely fought governorship elections, with successive administrations emerging from different political blocs.
As the election approaches, political parties and their candidates have intensified mobilisation across the state’s 30 local government areas, with voters expected to play a decisive role in determining the next occupant of the Government House in Osogbo.
The outcome will not only determine Adeleke’s political future but could also reshape the balance of political power in Osun ahead of the wider 2027 political realignments.
