Osun PDP endorses Tinubu for 2027 as an “indigene”

In a surprising twist, the Osun State chapter of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu, of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), for re-election in 2027.

Governor Ademola Adeleke made the announcement on Monday via X (formerly Twitter), saying it followed his meeting with local leaders across the state “from traditional rulers and civil servants to market leaders and grassroots party members.”

“Our party in Osun has also endorsed President [Tinubu] for re-election in 2027, recognizing him as a proud son of our state,” Adeleke wrote.

The endorsement is the latest in a string of high-profile alignments ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections. Although Tinubu built his political base as Lagos governor, his ancestral roots in Osun state don’t always feature in mainstream narratives.

The move has raised eyebrows. Tinubu and Adeleke are not only members of rival parties, but their supporters have clashed on politics and policy issues. Critics argue Adeleke’s endorsement undermines party principles and disrespects voter intelligence.

“The people will decide, not political endorsements,” wrote Joseph Ikechukwu on X. “No amount of internal party declarations can substitute for public trust… Democracy in Nigeria must not be reduced to caucus handshakes behind closed doors.”

Another user, Stephen Odemwingie, warned that the 2027 election cycle “is shaping up to be the worst yet.”

Observers say Adeleke’s re-election ambitions in 2026 may benefit from improved federal-state relations, particularly as Tinubu holds control at the national level.

Economically vulnerable

Despite its rich cultural heritage, Osun remains one of Nigeria’s most economically vulnerable states. It ranks low on internally generated revenue and relies heavily on federal allocations.

The industrial base is thin, and youth unemployment and underemployment remain high. With public sector wages sustaining much of local spending, politics and civil service jobs are critical economic lifelines.

Analysts say these conditions make grassroots political loyalty highly transactional, and elite political alignments – like Adeleke’s overture to Tinubu – could also be strategic moves to secure federal support.