Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has expressed strong confidence in his chances of securing a second term in the upcoming 2026 governorship election, asserting that no political force can stand in his way.
The governor made the declaration in Abuja after appearing before the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Gubernatorial Screening Committee on Thursday. He stated that his administration’s performance in the past two years has earned him overwhelming goodwill and support across Osun State.
“I am so confident that I am going to win,” Adeleke said. “If I can defeat an incumbent and now that I am the governor, within two years, it’s unprecedented what we have done in less than two years. Man, I’m so confident that nobody can beat us there.”
Adeleke, who came into office in 2022 after unseating the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, insisted that his achievements in infrastructure, education, and welfare have strengthened his popularity among residents.
He brushed aside concerns that the APC might leverage federal influence against him, maintaining that his appeal cuts across political divides.
“Just take APC as a case study,” he said. “Anytime they are having a party or an event, I will go there and I will take over, they all love me.”
The governor also recalled the 2022 election, noting that he triumphed despite what he described as heavy federal backing for his opponent. “There was federal might when I defeated the APC candidate in 2022. I saw the equipment, I saw the resources… that same federal might,” he said.
Adeleke expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu will ensure a transparent contest when Osun voters return to the polls. “I don’t think President Tinubu will want to do anything that will mess up his administration because my election will come before the presidential election,” he noted. “So, I’m sure everything will be free and fair, and that is what we are talking about.”
The Chairman of the PDP Screening Committee, Hon. Adebayo Adepoju, confirmed that Governor Adeleke met all party requirements and successfully defended his credentials before the panel.
He added that the screening was part of the PDP’s internal preparations to ensure credible and transparent primaries ahead of the 2026 elections.
