Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied any deal with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to share legislative and local government seats ahead of the 2027 elections.
Adeleke said his political alliance with President Bola Tinubu covers only the presidential election. He insisted that the arrangement does not extend to other elective positions in Osun State.
The governor issued the clarification on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. His spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said reports of a seat-sharing agreement were false.
The reports alleged that the Presidency and the Osun Accord Party had agreed to share political positions with the APC. These reportedly included Senate seats, House of Representatives seats, state assembly positions and local government offices.
However, Adeleke dismissed the claims as “mere fabrication and fake news,” according to his spokesperson. (Channels Television)
Adeleke Says Alliance with Tinubu Covers Presidential Election
Adeleke reaffirmed his support for Tinubu’s re-election bid. However, he maintained that the political arrangement focuses on the presidential contest.
He said the parties involved remain free to contest other elections independently. He also pledged to support Accord Party candidates seeking legislative seats in Osun.
“As I said while inaugurating the Presidential Campaign Council, the coalition is targeted at the presidential election,” Adeleke said, according to the statement.
He added that the partners had agreed to work together to secure Tinubu’s re-election.
The governor also urged political parties to campaign for their candidates. He stressed that voters would decide the outcome of the elections.
His remarks come as parties prepare for the 2027 polls. Political alliances and negotiations have attracted growing attention across the country.
Adeleke Addresses Osun Local Government Dispute
The governor also addressed the prolonged local government crisis in Osun State.
He said efforts to resolve the dispute aim to protect the interests of all stakeholders. These include APC chairpersons and elected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmen and councillors.
Adeleke insisted that the negotiations do not amount to a deal to share political offices.
“As the governor of all Osun indigenes and residents, we are working to resolve the local government matter by ensuring that all interests are protected and cared for,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the state could resolve the dispute before the end of 2026. (Osun State Government)
The dispute has remained a major issue in Osun politics. It has also raised questions about local council administration and relations between the parties.
Adeleke maintained that resolving the crisis remains separate from legislative election arrangements.
Accord Candidates to Contest Legislative Seats
Adeleke reiterated that he would support Accord Party candidates in legislative elections. He rejected claims that he had agreed to share those positions with the APC.
“We have no deal on the National Assembly and the State Assembly elections. All our candidates will face the electorate, who have the final say,” he said. (Punch)
His position separates his support for Tinubu from his plans for Osun’s legislative contests.
It also signals that Accord candidates will seek votes in their respective constituencies. The governor said the electorate would determine who wins each seat.
His statement does not announce a formal legislative alliance between Accord and the APC in Osun.
APC Figures Attend Tinubu Campaign Council Inauguration
Adeleke’s clarification followed the inauguration of a 344-member presidential campaign council in Osun State.
The council will coordinate support for Tinubu’s re-election campaign. The event also brought together Adeleke and several prominent APC figures.
Former Osun governor Bisi Akande attended the inauguration. APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru and former party national secretary Iyiola Omisore also attended, according to reports.
The participation of politicians from different backgrounds has drawn attention to the campaign arrangements in Osun. However, Adeleke said their cooperation does not extend to sharing legislative or local government seats.
As the 2027 elections approach, parties will continue to negotiate alliances and mobilise supporters. Adeleke’s statement clarifies his position on the reported agreement.
He maintains that the presidential alliance with Tinubu will not prevent Accord candidates from contesting other positions. He also insists that voters, rather than party negotiations, should determine the winners of legislative elections.
For now, the governor has publicly rejected claims of a seat-sharing deal with the APC. He says the parties will contest other positions separately.
