Olajengbesi backs Adeleke for second term in Osun

Pelumi Olajengbesi, convener of the Imole Grassroots Mobilisation Network, says Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun, has no serious contender ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.

In a statement on Saturday, Olajengbesi, an Abuja-based lawyer, said Adeleke’s chances of winning the August 8, 2026 governorship poll remain intact despite his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party.

Olajengbesi said Adeleke’s electoral strength is rooted in his relationship with the people of Osun, dating back to his time as a senator and now as governor.

“As far as I am concerned, Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election in the August 8, 2026 governorship poll is a walkover as there is no serious contender in the race who can compete favourably with Adeleke let alone defeat the incumbent governor,” he said.

Olajengbesi, a hopeful for the Obokun/Oriade federal constituency seat in the house of representatives, said the political numbers favour Adeleke rather than the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“If Adeleke, with the support of the people of Osun, could defeat an incumbent governor, Gboyega Oyetola, in 2022, defeating some greenhorns in 2026 will come so cheap. Oyetola had federal might by his side yet lost. Politics is local,” the lawyer said.

“Let it be known that the same reason Adeleke won in 2022 is the same reason he will win in 2026 — robust grassroots base, a political capital all his contenders envy.”

Olajengbesi said the people of Osun have consistently shown support for Adeleke.

“Politics is local and the people of Osun State have spoken loud and clear of their love and support for Governor Ademola Adeleke,” he noted.

“At the moment, I see no formidable candidate known by Osun people to challenge Adeleke in next year’s poll. Whether it is Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other person, I see no formidable candidate to command the kind of love and support the people of Osun State have for Adeleke.

“Beyond the love and admiration that the governor enjoy from the people, his many transformational projects and visionary leadership have been impactful.

“More impactful is Adeleke’s upgraded five point agenda for the 2026 race namely integrated citizens and workers’ welfare; infrastructure consolidation for economic prosperity; Increased agro-Industrial expansion for youth empowerment; innovations for health, education and social care; and Improved Business Environment for Job Creation.

“Despite harassment and blockages by the Federal Government, Adeleke’s administration outperforms, outshines and surpasses the records of the opposition in the last three years.

“He has raised the bar of governance beyond rhetorics and deceits. Osun moved from number 33 under the APC government to number 7 under Adeleke’s leadership in national examination ratings.

“The governor also reduced the Osun infrastructure deficit from over 80 percent in 2022 by over 40 percent as of 2025. He paid over 40 percent of Osun inherited debt as confirmed by the Debt Management Office. And lots more in education, health and infrastructure.

“Osun people are wiser and will vote for progress, impact and good governance.”