Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke
A former Special Adviser on Education to ex-Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Mr. Jamiu Olawumi, has described Governor Ademola Adeleke as a major political force and a “nightmare” for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State.
Speaking during a programme on a private radio station in Osogbo on Thursday, Olawumi stated that Adeleke has consistently recorded electoral victories against the APC since 2017, when he won the Osun West Senatorial District by-election following the death of his uncle, the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke.
According to him, Adeleke secured victory in nine out of the ten local government areas that made up the senatorial district during the election.
Olawumi further noted that Adeleke also emerged victorious in the first ballot of the 2018 Osun governorship election before the contest proceeded to a rerun. He added that Adeleke later defeated the APC in the 2022 governorship election with a margin of over 28,000 votes.
He argued that the prospect of another electoral contest against Adeleke could discourage former Governor Oyetola from seeking a return to office, citing concerns over a possible fourth defeat for the APC.
Olawumi also suggested that any alternative candidate the APC may present would still face a formidable challenge from Governor Adeleke, whom he described as a dominant political figure in the state.
Explaining his decision to align with Adeleke despite previously criticizing him, Olawumi said the governor’s political influence and performance in office had altered his perception.
He commended Adeleke’s administration, stating that the governor had built upon previous achievements and sustained governance in the state.
On his political realignment, Olawumi maintained that political ideology and opportunities for growth often influence party affiliation, stressing that politicians may choose platforms that align with their beliefs and aspirations.
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