Osun PDP’s endorsement of Tinubu: loyalty, strategy or survival?

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

In a move that has stunned political observers and ignited debate across party lines, the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally announced the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027, despite Tinubu being the national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement, contained in a communiqué issued after a closed-door leadership meeting at the Government House in Osogbo on July 21, 2025, came just weeks after Governor Ademola Adeleke’s controversial overtures to the APC, fuelling speculations of defection and drawing widespread criticism from within and outside his party.

According to the communiqué, Osun PDP cited Tinubu’s ancestral origin in the state as the basis for its decision, describing the president as a “son of the soil”. The party also reaffirmed Governor Adeleke as its sole candidate for the 2026 governorship election and directed members to remain loyal to the PDP.

Adeleke’s attempted alignment with the APC created friction not just within the PDP but also among APC loyalists. While some APC chieftains welcomed the idea, others expressed deep resentment. For the PDP, the defection rumour sparked internal tension, as members struggled to choose between party loyalty and personal loyalty to the governor.

Faced with a looming internal split and the possibility of losing its figure, Osun PDP appeared to have chosen a path of compromise, retaining Adeleke within the party while making a symbolic gesture of goodwill toward Tinubu, possibly to secure political breathing space and federal support.

But the move has not been without backlash. The APC’s Director of Media and Information in Osun, Kola Olabisi, described the endorsement as a Greek gift.

He said, “It is important to point out the fact that the forward-looking President Tinubu does not need the Greek gift of the political orphan cunningly being dangled for the reelection of the proactive and workaholic President Tinubu by the governor who is already on his knees in his political wilderness,” Olabisi said in a statement.

Also reacting, a chieftain of the APC, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, stated that the PDP’s endorsement of President Tinubu was a recognition of the President’s outstanding performance in governance in all sectors. “President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated remarkable leadership across all sectors of the economy — from infrastructure to improved security, from subsidy removal to exchange rate reforms. Everyone wants to associate with success, and that, I believe, is why the Osun PDP caucus has chosen to endorse him.”

Oyintiloye, however, admitted that the endorsement might also carry undertones of political calculation. “The PDP, having seen the APC’s achievements in the last two years, likely wants to be part of the success story. But let’s be honest — the possibility that this move is also aimed at currying favour from the presidency cannot be ruled out.”

On social media, reactions have been fierce and divided. Critics accused Adeleke of betraying his party, endorsing a rival president while his party prepares to field its own candidate. “Anti-party has never been this bad,” one user wrote. “You can’t endorse Tinubu and claim to lead a serious PDP in Osun.”

Another user, who identified as a native of Ede, condemned the governor’s move, stating, “I voted for you in 2018 and 2022 not because you’re from my town but because of your empathy. But this endorsement, based on ancestry and not merit, is unacceptable. If this is your direction, I will actively campaign against you in 2026.”

Yet not all voices were critical. Some described the move as “strategic”, arguing that Adeleke needed to play smart politics to survive in a national landscape dominated by the APC. One user wrote: “After sleepless consultations and meetings, endorsing Tinubu while staying in PDP seems like the only reasonable path. Adeleke is genuinely loved; kudos to him.”

Others viewed it more cynically, suggesting the endorsement may have been influenced by family business interests. “His brother just built a power plant. They need Tinubu to stay in power to secure the connection to the grid,” a post speculated.

A few saw an electoral advantage in the endorsement“: “The endorsement from Osun State PDP and @AAdeleke_01 increases Tinubu’s chances of re-election from 17.5% to 19.2%. Hope rising.” tweeted @GoodiesOfada.

Many argue the endorsement raises questions about internal party discipline and whether Adeleke’s popularity is gradually transforming the PDP in Osun into a personality-driven movement.

For President Tinubu, the endorsement, whether symbolic or strategic, is a quiet but significant political win.

What is clear, however, is that public trust, not elite consensus, will determine Adeleke’s fate in 2026. Endorsements may stir headlines, but the people, not party caucuses, will cast the final vote.