Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State on Monday defended the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027, describing the decision as a moral obligation and a development-driven choice in the overall interest of Osun State and the Yoruba race.

The governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, in a statement obtained in Osogbo, said Adeleke made the remarks after inspecting the ongoing reconstruction of the Ibadan-Ile Ife-Ilesa Expressway on Sunday evening.

Adeleke said supporting President Tinubu transcends partisan politics, noting that the President remains “our own son, father and leader” whose administration deserves the backing of the people of Osun State.

“I am the governor of the ancestral birthplace of Mr President. How can I have my own in the saddle and think twice before embracing him? I need no persuasion to act as I have declared repeatedly, our endorsement of Mr President,” the governor stated.

He added that Osun people consider themselves fortunate to have one of their sons occupying the highest political office in the country.

“How many governors are as lucky as me? Well, my brother, Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State will claim to be luckier. But we in Osun State count ourselves lucky and privileged to have one of our illustrious sons and father at the helm of affairs of Nigeria,” he said.

The governor also expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the Ibadan-Ile Ife-Ilesa Expressway, saying the project would boost economic activities and improve connectivity across major towns in Osun State.

According to him, his administration has equally rehabilitated several federal roads since assuming office in 2022, while over 300 kilometres of state roads have been reconstructed across the state.

Adeleke further appealed to the Federal Government to refund the state for the rehabilitation of federal roads undertaken by his administration.

He also appreciated President Tinubu for approving the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo Road and the Gbongan-Akoda Road, while expressing optimism that the President would also approve the reconstruction of the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.

The governor, however, took a swipe at former Osun State governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, accusing him of allegedly working against the image of President Tinubu in the state.

“As a governor of the President’s ancestral state, we will not allow selfish politicians such as the President’s cousin, Gboyega Oyetola, to tarnish the image of Mr President in Osun State. With God and people, democracy shall triumph on August 15,” Adeleke declared.

He assured residents of the state of his administration’s commitment to ensuring a free and fair election, stressing that President Tinubu has consistently advocated credible electoral processes across the country.