- as Omisore’s loyalists collapse structure for Governor
By John Dike, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke on Tuesday formally launched his re-election campaign on Tuesday rallying support nationwide for the return of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election.
The campaign kicked off with a massive show of political strength at Freedom Park, Osogbo, the state capital, where thousands of supporters, political leaders, labour unions, market associations, youths and women groups gathered to endorse his bid for a second term in office.
Marking the official commencement of activities ahead of the August 15 governorship election, the campaign flag-off, transformed the popular Freedom Park into a carnival-like atmosphere as supporters sang, danced and waved banners in support of the governor.
It attracted party leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, artisans, transport unions and supporters from across the 30 local government areas of the state and the Area Office, Modakeke.
In what appeared to be one of the biggest political gatherings in Osun State in recent years, Governor Adeleke used the occasion to highlight his administration’s achievements, seek renewed support from the electorate and reaffirm his commitment to delivering more dividends of democracy if re-elected.
A major highlight of the event was the declaration of support for Adeleke’s second-term ambition by loyalists of former Osun State Deputy Governor and ex-National Secretary of the APC, Senator Iyiola Omisore, who publicly announced their decision to collapse their political structure into the governor’s campaign.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Adeleke declared that the support of Osun State for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained total and unwavering.
“The support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the people of Osun State is total and unshakable. We believe in the unity of Nigeria and we support every effort aimed at moving the country forward.
“Osun is the cradle of the Yoruba race and we will continue to play our role in strengthening democracy and good governance,” Adeleke stated.
The governor also reassured members of the Accord Party and his supporters that the party would participate in the forthcoming governorship election despite the recent Federal High Court judgment affecting some political parties.
According to him, all constitutional and legal avenues are being explored to ensure that the party remains on the ballot.
He urged party members and supporters not to be distracted by political developments but to intensify grassroots mobilization efforts across the state.
“Do not be discouraged by anything you hear. Remain committed and continue to mobilize. Go to your communities, wards and local governments. Speak to the people about our achievements and our plans for the future. Victory is certain because we are on the side of the people,” he said.
Governor Adeleke further charged supporters to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electioneering period and avoid any action capable of causing tension or violence.
He also called on security agencies, particularly the police, to remain professional and uphold the rule of law in the discharge of their duties.
“We must all respect the rule of law. Democracy can only flourish when institutions are allowed to function independently and when every citizen has confidence in the justice system. I urge our security agencies to remain neutral and ensure that every eligible voter can exercise his or her rights freely,” the governor added.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements over the last three and a half years, Adeleke said his government had recorded significant progress in road construction, education, healthcare, water supply and social welfare programmes.
According to him, hundreds of kilometres of roads have been rehabilitated and constructed across the state, while schools and primary healthcare centres have received unprecedented attention.
“Our administration has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our people. We have invested heavily in infrastructure, education, healthcare and social services. We have paid attention to the needs of ordinary citizens and we will continue to do more if given another opportunity to serve,” he said.
The governor noted that both local and international organisations had acknowledged the developmental strides of his administration, describing the recognition as evidence that the government was on the right path.
Meanwhile, the political atmosphere at the rally became even more electrifying when the leader of the defectors from the APC and a prominent member of the Omisore political family, Hon. Folorunso Bamisaye, formally declared support for Governor Adeleke’s re-election.
Speaking on behalf of supporters of Senator Iyiola Omisore across the state, Bamisaye said they had carefully assessed the political situation in Osun and concluded that Adeleke remained the candidate to beat in the forthcoming election.
“I want to congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke in the name of the supporters of Senator Iyiola Omisore throughout Osun State. We have decided to join the governor and work for his re-election because of his outstanding performance and widespread acceptance among the people,” he declared.
Bamisaye recalled previous electoral contests in the state, arguing that Adeleke had consistently demonstrated his popularity among Osun voters.
“When Adeleke stood almost alone, he defeated our party on several occasions. In 2017, he won nine local governments out of ten in the Osun West Senatorial election. In 2018, he came very close in the governorship election. In 2022, he defeated the APC decisively with a margin of over 28,000 votes.”
According to him, political leaders within the APC were warned about Adeleke’s electoral strength but failed to heed the advice.
“It is only in the Bible that David defeated Goliath. In reality, Adeleke is the political giant in Osun State today. We told them that if they wanted to stand a chance, they should present Senator Iyiola Omisore as their candidate, but they did not listen.”
He expressed confidence that Governor Adeleke would secure victory at the polls and pledged the commitment of Omisore’s loyalists to the governor’s re-election project.
“Adeleke has done well across Osun State. From Osogbo to Ila, Iwo, Ile-Ife, Ilesa and many other communities, the impact of his administration is visible. He deserves a second term,” Bamisaye said.
The former APC chieftain further alleged that the opposition was uncomfortable with Adeleke’s growing popularity and was seeking alternative means to stop his participation in the election.
“The APC is afraid of Governor Adeleke because he has defeated them repeatedly. They know he is capable of defeating them again and that is why they are exploring different options, including legal challenges. But the people of Osun have already made up their minds.”
The declaration by Omisore’s supporters was greeted with loud cheers from the crowd, many of whom described the development as a major boost for Adeleke’s re-election bid.
As the rally came to an end, the governor once again charged supporters to embark on aggressive grassroots mobilization, urging them to take his message of continuity and development to every corner of the state.
“Go out and mobilize. Let the people know what we have done and what we intend to do. Campaign peacefully, respect the law and ensure that you vote. Every vote will count and together we shall achieve victory,” Adeleke said.
With the massive turnout, endorsement from influential political blocs and renewed confidence among party faithful, Tuesday’s rally has undoubtedly set the stage for what promises to be an intense and closely watched governorship contest in Osun State.
This version reads like a front-page political feature and gives strong prominence to the Omisore camp’s endorsement, which is the biggest news angle beyond the campaign launch itself.
