In Nigeria, the reelection of Ademola Adeleke in Osun State reignites the opposition.

This victory comes just a few months before the general elections scheduled for January 2027 and the gubernatorial elections expected in February. The opposition sees it as an encouraging sign of its ability to retain or conquer certain federal states, even though the reelected governor announced his support for President Bola Tinubu’s candidacy.

Ademola Adeleke chose to run for a second term under the Accord Party banner, a party with limited national reach. The outgoing governor relied on his local influence to face Bola Oyebamiji, the candidate of the majority party, in this state known for its mineral reserves, particularly gold.

According to reported results, Ademola Adeleke garnered 50.8% of the votes. His campaign notably benefited from the support of his brother, businessman Deji Adeleke, as well as that of his nephew, singer Davido, an international figure in Nigerian music.

The election took place in an atmosphere marked by a financial investigation into the management of the state’s public funds. In early August, the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had obtained a freeze on a bank account of the local government as part of suspicions of embezzlement or fraudulent management.

A dispute with the EFCC at the heart of the campaign

Ademola Adeleke challenged this measure in court, presenting it as a political maneuver. After announcing his reelection, he stated that the dispute had been resolved following an intervention by President Bola Tinubu.

This account has not been detailed in the available information and does not prejudge the outcome of the financial investigations. The freezing of the account and the suspicions examined by the EFCC are part of the procedures initiated by the federal agency against public officials suspected of financial offenses.

The result in Osun is presented by the opposition as a success for multiparty democracy, but it does not necessarily signify a break between the governor and the federal power. Ademola Adeleke has stated that he would support Bola Tinubu in the upcoming presidential election, citing their Yoruba heritage and shared roots in southwestern Nigeria.

This position could limit the national impact of his electoral victory. It also illustrates the reshaping of Nigerian political alliances as the general elections approach in January 2027 and the gubernatorial elections expected the following month.