An elder statesman and former Nigerian ambassador to the Philippines, Yemi Farounbi, has warned that Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun may suffer political consequences for endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid without securing a concrete agreement.
Speaking on Tuesday, Farounbi, who hails from Osun, said Adeleke’s public declaration of support for Tinubu may backfire if not backed by a reciprocal deal with the president.
“This open betrayal of whoever becomes the PDP presidential candidate may work against the governor, unless he really has a sealed deal with PBAT,” he said.
Adeleke and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State had recently endorsed Tinubu for a second term, a move that has sparked concern within the party’s ranks.
Farounbi said the decision may please Tinubu, given the strategic importance of Osun in the South-West, but could weaken Adeleke’s political standing if no firm assurances were secured.
“This declaration certainly will gladden his heart. But in the final analysis, Governor Adeleke may be the loser, unless this recent declaration has the blessing of PBAT. Otherwise it could be a leap in the dark. I hope not,” he said.y
He faulted the PDP’s approach to the endorsement, describing it as hasty and ill-considered.
His words: “I believe the PDP is just muddling through without careful thought. All the excuses given for not proceeding with the planned movement of PDP should have been considered before making a public announcement.
“A deal ought to have been sealed before making a pronouncement. Perhaps, the earlier announcement will cost the party a loss of prestige and membership.”
Farounbi noted that since the endorsement, two senators and members of the House of Representatives had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He stated: “Unlike Delta and Akwa Ibom states, where the presidential and gubernatorial elections will be held simultaneously in 2027, the gubernatorial election in Osun will be held in 2026.
“The president can afford to wait to know the winner before deciding on which party to woo.”
Farounbi stressed that in Nigeria’s fluid political landscape, strategic agreements and assurances are crucial.
“I hope that this agreement to support PBAT for presidency has its concurrence and an assurance of reciprocal support,” he added.
