Muniru Raji, Special Adviser on Political Matters to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, has dismissed the chances of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola reclaiming power in the 2026 governorship election.
Speaking on the Lero Temi podcast in Osogbo, Raji described Oyetola — now the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy — as “the weakest candidate” the All Progressives Congress (APC) could field, adding that Governor Adeleke would defeat him soundly, just as he did in 2022.
“Adegboyega Oyetola is the easiest candidate to defeat in any gubernatorial election,” Raji stated.
“If he contests again under the APC in 2026, Governor Adeleke will defeat him once again.”
No Defection to APC – Raji Clears the Air
Raji also addressed recent speculation that Governor Adeleke might defect to the APC after publicly endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. He affirmed that Adeleke remains fully committed to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Adeleke will contest under the PDP in 2026. He has not met with any APC members, and there are no plans to defect,” Raji said.
Support for Tinubu in 2027 “For Regional Reasons”
Despite pledging loyalty to the PDP, Raji confirmed that Adeleke and the Osun PDP would support President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, citing ethnic and regional considerations.
“In 2027, Adeleke and the PDP will vote for APC and Tinubu as President. This is because the president is losing support in the North. We are voting because Tinubu is a Yoruba man from the South,” he explained.
PDP Remains Strong in Osun Despite Defections
Raji downplayed the impact of recent defections from the PDP, emphasizing that the party’s strength lies with the masses, not political appointees.
“When Adeleke became governor, the PDP had no elected political office holders in Osun, yet the people stood with him. That grassroots support remains intact,” he noted.
He also confirmed that internal party issues at the national level — especially regarding the PDP’s National Secretary — had been resolved.
