By John Dike, Osogbo
The re-election bid of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, gained fresh momentum on Tuesday as a coalition of traditional security outfits and ethnic community leaders declared their support for his second term ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The endorsement, which took place in Osogbo, brought together various grassroots groups, including local vigilante networks and representatives of Hausa and Igbo communities, who unanimously adopted the governor as their preferred candidate for the forthcoming poll.
At the event, speakers took turns to commend the governor’s performance in office, particularly in the areas of security, infrastructure, and workers’ welfare, while pledging to mobilize widespread support to ensure his re-election.
In his opening remarks, the convener of the gathering, Chief Lukman Ayodeji, popularly known as “Sango of Africa,” said the endorsement reflected the growing confidence of the people in the administration’s delivery of democratic dividends.
He noted that Governor Adeleke has restored public trust in governance through what he described as impactful and people-oriented policies, adding that the show of support was a demonstration that “the people will always stand with a leader who delivers.”
Representing the Agbekoya group, Chief Aremu Abiodun said members of the association were satisfied with the governor’s commitment to strengthening grassroots security through intelligence-led collaboration, which he said has helped curb criminal activities across the state.
He assured that the group would mobilize its members across communities to support the governor at the polls, emphasizing that his administration has earned the trust of the people.
Similarly, the Association of Hunters in the state, led by Oba Ogunlade Oluwasanjo, declared total support for the governor’s re-election, citing his administration’s achievements across critical sectors. The group also pledged vigilance during the election period to ensure that the will of the electorate is not undermined.
The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), through its representative, Comrade Kazeem Oriade, also endorsed the governor, conveying the backing of its national leadership and assuring that members would actively participate in mobilization efforts ahead of the election.
Other groups, including the Community Security Initiative (COMSAC), joined in the endorsement, describing the governor’s performance as satisfactory and worthy of continuity.
Leaders of the Hausa and Igbo communities also pledged their support, noting that the administration’s inclusive approach to governance has strengthened unity and fostered a sense of belonging among non-indigenous residents.
They dismissed opposition efforts to sway voters with what they described as “temporary inducements,” insisting that the electorate would prioritize performance and continuity.
A notable highlight of the event was the appearance of some individuals recently granted pardon by the governor, who expressed gratitude for the gesture and pledged to mobilize support for his re-election.
Political observers say the endorsement by grassroots security groups and ethnic communities signals growing consolidation of support for the incumbent governor, as political alignments continue to shape the dynamics of the Osun 2026 governorship race.
