Tinubu's Re-election in Osun: Advice to Governor Adeleke By Josiah Olaniran

With Governor Ademola Adeleke now preparing to work for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election and is recognised as the coordinator of the campaign in Osun State under a rainbow coalition, a lot is expected of him. But beyond this new political arrangement, the governor must be ready to rise above the political bickering, divisions and petty interests that have characterised aspects of his administration over the last four years. This is not the time to settle scores. There is a bigger assignment before him.

The target is to deliver 1.5 million votes for President Tinubu in Osun State. Achieving this will require more than public endorsements and political declarations. Adeleke needs the support of different political tendencies, particularly within the APC and PDP and his Accord parties that have indicated their willingness to work for the President's re-election.

One thing the governor must avoid is interfering in the internal affairs of the APC in a manner that could deepen existing divisions. There is only one APC in Osun State, and Sooko Tajudeen Lawal is the party's state chairman. That structure must be respected. If Adeleke is genuinely committed to Tinubu's re-election, he should channel his engagement with the party through its recognised leadership.

Take the distribution of campaign vehicles, for instance. The vehicles allocated to the APC should be handed over to the party chairman for distribution to campaign groups, stakeholders and other relevant party structures. 

It is a simple but important gesture that demonstrates respect for the party's leadership and prevents unnecessary disputes over who gets what. Anything different could create fresh divisions and weaken the mobilisation effort.

Adeleke must understand that he cannot build a successful presidential campaign on the ruins of a divided APC. His responsibility is to bring people together, not create another centre of political conflict.

There is another issue the governor needs to address. Some of his political associates, supporters and appointees are reportedly still campaigning against Tinubu's re-election, either openly or behind the scenes. This is difficult to understand, particularly now that Adeleke has accepted the responsibility of coordinating the President's campaign in Osun.

It is one thing for the governor to publicly declare support for Tinubu and quite another for people in his political camp to work against that same project. Such contradictory behaviour naturally raises questions about his sincerity. He cannot be campaigning for Tinubu with one hand while those around him are pulling in the opposite direction with the other.

 Those working closely with him must understand the responsibility that comes with his new political assignment. If he is serious about leading the campaign, his own political associates should not be seen undermining it.