Adeleke Takes Over Tinubu's Campaign Role from Oyetola

In October 2026, Ademola Adeleke, the Governor of Osun, was appointed as the state coordinator for President Bola Tinubu's 2027 campaign, succeeding Gboyega Oyetola, his rival for eight years and now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. Their political history includes a disputed 2018 election where Oyetola, of the APC, defeated Adeleke, then of the PDP, by 255,505 votes to 255,023, a result upheld by the Supreme Court.

Adeleke won the rematch in 2022 with 403,371 votes against Oyetola's 375,027, which was also affirmed by the Supreme Court. In August 2026, Adeleke, now with the Accord Party, secured a second term with 511,067 votes against Bola Oyebamiji of the APC, whom Oyetola supported.

Despite past hostilities, including threats from Adeleke to expose Oyetola's past, Adeleke has recently praised Oyetola and expressed a willingness to work together for Tinubu's campaign. However, there is no formal agreement between them, and the arrangement will be tested in ongoing local council disputes.