In a significant show of spiritual and political support, religious leaders from across Osun State converged on Monday to offer special prayers for the successful re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial poll.
Divine Endorsement for Continuity
The event, an annual prayer session organized by the Osun State Government in Osogbo, saw clerics from both Islamic and Christian faiths commend the governor's performance. They quoted extensively from holy scriptures to justify the need for his second term in office.
Sheikh Musa Animasahun, the Chief Imam of Osogboland, and Dr. John Adeleke, the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), jointly praised Governor Adeleke's visible devotion to God. They appealed for divine intervention to tackle the state's challenges and to smooth the path for his re-election bid.
Labour Unions and Former Governor Throw Weight Behind Adeleke
The gathering also featured strong backing from the organized labour movement. Comrade Abimbola Arapasopo, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, led union leaders in highlighting the governor's numerous accomplishments.
He reaffirmed the resolve of workers to vote massively for Adeleke's re-election on August 8, 2026. The labour chief also issued a stern warning against the alleged harassment of local government workers by opposition APC operatives and some police elements, declaring that intimidation would not sway their support.
Adding a powerful political voice, former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola reiterated his endorsement. "I repeat today that Governor Adeleke deserves re-election. Let us take the message to every corner of Osun State. There is no need to change a medicine that is working for you," Oyinlola stated.
Adeleke's Spiritual Declaration and Governance Scorecard
Addressing the audience of clerics, civil servants, and top officials, Governor Adeleke adopted a deeply spiritual tone. He expressed profound gratitude to God, attributing his administration's successes over the past three years to divine favour.
"By the special grace of God and by the mass support of our people, we shall assemble here again in January 2027, in victory and gratitude," the governor declared confidently.
He presented a detailed account of his administration's deliverables, emphasizing a pro-people approach from his first day in office. Key achievements he listed include:
- Support for senior citizens and the poor.
- Rebuilding of roads and bridges.
- Strong support for artisans.
- Addressing educational and health sector challenges.
- Gradually resolving the inherited half-salary and pension debt.
Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, speaking in Yoruba, provided empirical validation. He listed five indicators of good governance under Adeleke, including awards and high ratings in education, health, infrastructure, and debt management. Notably, he mentioned the state's latest first-position national rating in budget and fiscal transparency and accountability.
Governor Adeleke concluded by charging the people of Osun not to waver in their support, urging electoral vigilance to prevent a return to what he termed "the dark days." He vowed to continue pursuing his five-point agenda for a collectively prosperous Osun State.
