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Tinubu Secures Strategic Victory as Osun State PDP Endorses His 2027 Re-Election Bid
By HeadlineNews Political Desk | July 23, 2025
In a political development that is as surprising as it is strategic, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for a second term in 2027—marking a significant cross-party alliance that could redefine the landscape of the 2027 general elections.
The resolution, signed by a broad coalition of Osun PDP heavyweights, including Governor Ademola Adeleke, former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and 26 other top political actors in the state, also reaffirmed support for Adeleke’s own second-term ambition under the PDP platform in 2026. This dual endorsement—one for a President from the rival party and one for their own sitting governor—signals a pragmatic shift in the political calculus of Osun State’s elite.
A Political Earthquake from the Heart of the Southwest
President Tinubu hails ancestrally from Osun State, even though his political base has long been Lagos. That makes this endorsement not just symbolic, but highly strategic. Osun State is often considered a bellwether for presidential outcomes in Nigeria’s southwest. Historically, the party that dominates Osun tends to play a critical role in securing the region during general elections.
In 2015 and 2019, Osun’s voting pattern was aligned with the broader wave that brought APC to power at the national level. Even in the tightly contested 2023 election, Tinubu narrowly secured Osun’s support with 343,945 votes against Atiku Abubakar’s 354,366—only an 11,000-vote difference in a PDP-controlled state. This recent development could signal a full reversal of that margin come 2027.
Why This Matters: Tinubu’s Political Masterstroke
The endorsement shows Tinubu’s enduring political influence and remarkable negotiation ability. That a sitting PDP governor and his political allies would publicly support the re-election of an APC president is nothing short of unprecedented in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. This isn’t politics as usual—it’s a calculated alliance forged out of political survival, regional solidarity, and long-term vision.
Political analyst Dr. Remi Afolayan commented:
“This is Tinubu at his most Machiavellian. He’s consolidated support not just within APC but has managed to fracture PDP from within in a key state. It’s a tactical move that demonstrates he’s already two steps ahead going into 2027.”
Dual Loyalty or Political Realism?
Critics may see this as political inconsistency or even betrayal of party ideology. But Osun’s leaders seem more interested in pragmatic governance than partisan dogma. Governor Adeleke, who has often been underestimated due to his populist image, is showing that he’s capable of complex political maneuvers when it counts.
By aligning with Tinubu, Adeleke secures potential federal support for projects in Osun and strengthens his own bid for re-election in 2026. The optics of bi-partisan cooperation could also help him with swing voters tired of party politics and more concerned about results.
The List That Seals It
The list of signatories to the endorsement reads like a “who’s who” of Osun politics. Notable figures include:
Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly
Prince Kola Adewusi, Deputy Governor
Senator Oluwole Alabi and Rt. Hon. Lasun Yusuf, both PDP stalwarts with national networks
Dr. Muyiwa Oladimeji, respected technocrat and political strategist
This wide-ranging support base underscores that this isn’t an isolated decision—it’s a coordinated, strategic pivot.
Looking Ahead to 2027
This endorsement reshuffles the political deck significantly ahead of 2027. It places Tinubu in a stronger position to consolidate votes across both party lines in the Southwest. More importantly, it sends a message to other PDP-controlled states that loyalty to the national party line might not be the only path to relevance and survival.
Suppose Osun, a traditionally swing state, is already warming up to Tinubu two years ahead of the polls. In that case, other marginal states may follow suit—especially if faced with internal fractures or weak presidential candidates.
Final Word
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has long been known as Nigeria’s ultimate political strategist. With this latest move, he has proven once again that he understands the game better than most.
The endorsement from Osun PDP, including from a sitting PDP governor, is more than just a headline—it is a masterstroke that could seal the fate of the 2027 elections well before the campaign season even begins.
As history has shown: he who wins Osun, often wins Nigeria.
“Tinubu’s Osun Coup: A Political Earthquake in PDP Territory”
Excerpt:
“In a twist few saw coming, Osun PDP leaders—led by Governor Adeleke—have thrown their support behind APC’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027.”
Quote:
> “This is not just a defection in spirit—it’s a calculated shift in power. Tinubu just outmaneuvered the opposition inside their own house.” —Prof. Remi Afolayan, Political Science Dept., OAU
Comment:
Tinubu has proven yet again that his reach isn’t limited by party boundaries. This move neutralizes Osun as a PDP battleground in 2027.
“Osun Swings: PDP Leaders Endorse Tinubu, Reshape 2027 Landscape”
Excerpt:
“Osun State—often a bellwether for presidential elections—has endorsed President Tinubu’s re-election, marking a strategic alignment rarely seen in Nigerian politics.”
Quote:
> “Whoever wins Osun tends to win Nigeria. This is more than an endorsement—it’s a forecast.” —Dr. G. Fraser MFR, National Political Historian
Comment:
The significance of Osun’s support is historic. Tinubu is building a firewall in the Southwest before opponents even enter the ring.
“Adeleke Crosses the Aisle: Why a PDP Governor Backed an APC President”
Excerpt:
“Governor Ademola Adeleke is redefining the rules of party loyalty—supporting Tinubu while seeking his own second term on the PDP ticket.”
Quote:
> “Adeleke is playing chess in a game of checkers. He knows aligning with Tinubu secures federal leverage without giving up his seat.” —Bola Akinwale, Columnist, The Nation
Comment:
This isn’t a contradiction—it’s strategic coexistence. Adeleke is carving out relevance in both state and national arenas.
“Tinubu’s Ancestral Ace: Osun Reclaims Its Son”
Excerpt:
“Osun, the ancestral state of President Tinubu, has delivered a symbolic and practical endorsement from across party lines.”
Quote:
> “This isn’t just politics—it’s heritage meeting strategy. Osun is signaling loyalty to its own.” —Chief Tunde Olatunji, former Osun APC chieftain
Comment:
Heritage politics carries weight. Tinubu has secured not just votes but a moral homecoming that deepens his Southwest dominance.
“The 28 That Tilted the Scale: Osun’s Unified Support for Tinubu”
Excerpt:
“From former governors to assembly leaders, 28 political heavyweights across Osun signed off on Tinubu’s 2027 endorsement.”
Quote:
> “This is no small coalition—it’s a power bloc. With this kind of support, 2027 in Osun is already halfway decided.” —Hajiya Salamatu Bello, Electoral Trends Analyst
Comment:
The breadth of this endorsement isn’t cosmetic. It speaks to groundwork already laid for a decisive 2027 outcome in the region.
“Tinubu Plays the Long Game—And Wins Early in Osun”
Excerpt:
“Two years ahead of the polls, President Tinubu has secured a foundational endorsement from a state historically known to swing outcomes.”
Quote:
> “While others are waiting for the campaign to start, Tinubu is busy wrapping up key states. That’s classic long-game politics.” —Dr. Tayo Lawal, Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Strategy
Comment:
The early win in Osun shows Tinubu’s campaign may already be entering cruise control—his opponents will need a miracle to catch up.
Report compiled by Dr. G. Fraser. MFR.
HeadlineNews Political Desk.
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