Ex-APP Governorship Candidate Ekundayo Declares Support for Adeleke’s Second-Term Bid: A Boost for Osun’s 2026 Race
In the high-stakes game of Nigerian politics, where alliances can swing elections overnight, former Action Peoples Party (APP) governorship hopeful Dr. Ademola Ekundayo has thrown his weight behind Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election push. This endorsement, announced during a charged meeting in Osogbo, underscores the fluid coalitions forming ahead of the August 8, 2026, polls—potentially reshaping the Osun 2026 election landscape as Adeleke second term gains momentum amid Ekundayo Adeleke endorsement buzz and APP defection Osun whispers.
The declaration came on November 13, 2025, at a gathering packed with Ekundayo’s loyalists and youth leaders from across Osun’s 30 local government areas. Ekundayo, a seasoned politician who contested under the APP banner in 2022, praised Adeleke’s track record since taking office in November that year. “Governor Adeleke’s programmes and policies have placed him high,” Ekundayo stated, directing his supporters to rally behind the incumbent regardless of party lines. He committed to grassroots mobilization, vowing to canvas every corner of the state for Adeleke’s victory.
Ekundayo’s backstory adds grit to this pivot. A survivor of brutal attacks during the 2018 governorship rerun in several local governments, he refused to seek personal gain under Adeleke’s administration, opting instead for quiet backing. This latest move marks a formal alliance, bridging opposition divides in a state where Adeleke’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched power amid fierce rivalry from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Youth coordinator Taiwo Ogundairo hailed the crossover as a strategic win for Adeleke’s camp. “Our meeting with Dr. Ekundayo is part of our strategy to consolidate youth support for Governor Adeleke. His administration has recorded visible achievements, and we believe he deserves another term.” Achievements cited include infrastructure upgrades, education reforms, and economic empowerment initiatives—hallmarks of Adeleke’s five-point development agenda that have drawn endorsements from lawmakers, traditional rulers, and even Okada riders earlier this year.
Reactions poured in swiftly on social media, amplifying the Ekundayo Adeleke endorsement ripple. X (formerly Twitter) lit up with #Adeleke2026 trending locally, as users shared photos from the Osogbo meetup and memes dubbing Ekundayo the “bridge-builder” of Osun politics. One post from @WestNGNews captured the vibe: “Former APP governorship candidate, Ekundayo, backs Adeleke’s second term bid—vowing statewide mobilization.” PDP stalwarts echoed the optimism, while APC critics dismissed it as “desperation,” predicting intra-party fractures. Analysts like those at Naija News see it as a sign of Adeleke’s broadening appeal, especially among independents and youth disillusioned with federal politics under President Tinubu.
For everyday Nigerians in Osun—a southwestern hub of agriculture, trade, and burgeoning tech—the Adeleke second term push carries real weight. Economically, Ekundayo’s nod could stabilize investor confidence in a state rebounding from post-2022 fiscal woes, with projects like road networks and school rehabs promising job growth for the 4.7 million residents. Lifestyle perks? Continued focus on healthcare and youth skills training means fewer families scraping by, while politically, it challenges APC dominance in Yoruba heartlands, fueling debates on governance beyond party colors. Tech-savvy Osun millennials, eyeing digital hubs, view Adeleke’s inclusive style as a win for innovation over ideology.
As Osun 2026 election heats up with this APP defection Osun twist, Ekundayo Adeleke endorsement signals more crossovers ahead. Adeleke’s camp, fresh off PDP primaries clearance in October, eyes a landslide by courting fence-sitters like Ekundayo.
In summary, Dr. Ekundayo’s declaration injects fresh vigor into Governor Adeleke’s re-election bid, highlighting a maturing democracy where performance trumps partisanship. Looking to 2026, this alliance could tip scales toward continuity, urging rivals to sharpen their pitches amid Osun’s evolving voter pulse.
By Mark Smith
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