2027: Tinubu Reportedly Removes Adeleke From Enemies’ List

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly removed Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State from his list of political enemies, despite opposition from his cousin, Minister of Marine, Gboyega Oyetola, and Senator Adenigba Fadahunsi, representing Osun East.

According to presidency sources, the Osun PDP’s endorsement of President Tinubu came as a surprise to the President and his inner circle, as discussions about potential partnerships were still ongoing.

The President reportedly dismissed further pressure from local APC members to maintain hostility towards Governor Adeleke, deeming such an approach a political miscalculation.

A top source close to the presidency stated, “The common opinion is that there is no reason to fight the Adelekes again. The ‘dancing governor’ has demonstrated courage and loyalty. He attempted to cross over due to common interests, but our local people rejected it. So, he endorsed the President for 2027, much like Soludo did in Anambra.

We cannot blame the Adelekes. The Osun PDP deserves commendation rather than attacks. The President shares these viewpoints.”

Another source revealed that President Tinubu has faced conflicting pressures regarding the Osun situation.

While the local APC has opposed any deal with the Adelekes, a group of influential national figures, including governors, top presidency officials, and the Senate President, have pushed for embracing the Adelekes due to their electoral value.

This group cited a survey of political trends in Osun, which showed that despite recent defections, Governor Adeleke remains popular and would win elections with wide margins if held today. Conversely, the Oyetola group had portrayed Governor Adeleke negatively to the President, alleging that his 2027 pledge was insincere and that the Adelekes are untrustworthy.

However, the pro-Adeleke group at the presidency argued that the President should not let personal animosity dictate his decisions. They emphasized that credible reports from Osun State confirm the Adelekes’ genuine popularity and electoral viability.

The recent altercation between the Adelekes and Rauf Aregbesola’s camps further solidified the pro-Adeleke group’s stance, suggesting that Governor Adeleke is a true supporter of President Tinubu.

This group warned against pushing the Adeleke family into the opposition’s arms, stating, “The Adelekes are smarter than our local APC. The entire caucus around the President has seen the truth. The Adelekes genuinely love and support the President, but our local people deny this reality.”

A top federal official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Governor Adeleke has been removed from the “enemy list” and that normalization of relationships is underway. The official added, “We need Adeleke to work for Mr. President, and we are glad he has publicly declared his intention to do so.”