Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, has declared that Governor Ademola Adeleke currently enjoys overwhelming support across the state, insisting that workers and residents remain solidly behind him ahead of future political contests.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Thursday, Alimi asserted that Governor Adeleke’s popularity is rooted in his performance and strong connection with the people. He stated that “the support base of Adeleke in Osun today is almost 80%.” According to him, this level of acceptance cuts across demographics and professional groups, particularly the workforce, which he described as unwavering in its loyalty to the governor.
Alimi recalled events leading up to Adeleke’s departure from PDP to Accord, stating, “What happened on November 4th was that the NWC of PDP was to sit and ratify the report but there was a suspension. The headquarter, became the theater of crisis.” He added, “This can lead to risk. When the issue could not be resolved… he didn’t want to be seen as a member of the party, he decided to join the Accord.”
He highlighted the timing of Adeleke’s Accord endorsement: “What happened about four or five days ago was the unveiling of Accord. And what happened yesterday was that he was given the ticket of Accord.” On the party’s benefits, he said, “The benefits of Accord is in line with the agenda… as far as the welfare of the people, the public… have to give kudos to him that he has taken the right decision.”
Responding to concerns over Accord’s strength against APC and PDP structures for the 2027 elections, Alimi said: “They are blocking us, because the incumbent was defeated… he realised that the chance of an APC community election is not only against him, it’s very fast.”
He cited three key factors: “First and foremost, all the structures of the PDP are ready to go. That’s the truth, because Governor Adeleke did not just jump out… It was a collective decision.” On risk assessment, he stated, “Everybody believed that we should not take the risk. The risk would be too high for us.” He also emphasised Adeleke’s influence, saying, “You can’t compare Governor Adeleke to others in the past.”
Alimi also noted worker loyalty, saying, “In terms of welfare, the labor in Osun… you will see that they are not ready to leave Adeleke for any other candidate.” He further highlighted Adeleke’s achievements: “The achievement of Adeleke in the last three years is speaking for him, despite the shenanigans of our opposition, we are still performing.”
Alimi emphasised Adeleke’s isolated strength: “Now, Adeleke will go to an election where you don’t have some PDP governors… they’re standing with him now, so he’s not all alone by himself.” He added, “Almost all the governors in Nigeria who are friends of Adeleke, they gave him the support.”
Alimi reaffirmed Adeleke’s firm support base: “Forget about somebody being PDP… In practice, Adeleke is solid.”
Regarding Adeleke’s revised five-point agenda, Alimi said, “The support base of Adeleke in Osun today is almost 80%.” He detailed changes: “The initial five-point agenda… the first-point agenda is workers’ welfare. It has been upgraded now, It is the welfare of workers and the masses.” On government initiatives, he added, “The Startup Act has been signed by the government… Labor Space at Osun is one phase.” He also highlighted agricultural focus: “On the area of agriculture… It’s more to focus on agriculture. Mechanical agriculture… the situation is improving.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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