Tinubu's Neutrality in Osun Election Defended as Form of Support

A prominent member of the Accord Party has pushed back against suggestions that President Bola Tinubu remained uninvolved in Governor Ademola Adeleke's recent election victory in Osun State. Chris Imumolen, a former presidential candidate, contended that the President's decision to stay neutral constituted a meaningful form of political backing, even without direct campaigning or financial contributions.

Adeleke, running under the Accord Party banner, defeated his All Progressives Congress challenger Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji on August 15, securing 511,067 votes to Oyebamiji's 444,815—a margin of roughly 66,000 votes. The victory handed Adeleke a second term as governor and marked a significant result in off-cycle state polling before the 2027 presidential election.

The debate centres on how political support should be measured. Imumolen's position, articulated through a public statement, reframes presidential restraint as democratic conduct rather than indifference.

He rejected the characterization that Tinubu's role was negligible, arguing instead that political backing extends beyond visible campaigning or financial backing. This stance was prompted by claims made by Pelumi Olajengbesi, Adeleke's campaign spokesperson, who had indicated the President offered no assistance to the governor's re-election bid.

The disagreement touches on a broader question about federal influence in state elections. With Tinubu's own APC fielding its own gubernatorial candidate in Osun, the President's choice to refrain from openly mobilizing for that candidate could be viewed either as neutral conduct—as Imumolen frames it—or as a missed opportunity to support his party's nominee, depending on one's perspective.

Adeleke's victory in a South-West state traditionally aligned with the APC adds another layer to ongoing political realignments ahead of 2027.