A former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr Yemi Farounbi, on Tuesday said Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State may end up a loser for endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

According to him, this may happen if the governor did not seal a concrete agreement with the President before the public endorsement was made.
Adeleke and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State had announced their endorsement of Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

Reacting to the step, Farounbi, who also hails from Osun State, said the declaration would gladden Tinubu, noting that the state would be critical to his victory in 2027.
The elder statesman, however, warned that the governor’s step might boomerang if no proper agreement were reached with the president.

He emphasised that concurrence and an assurance of reciprocal support were very important.
Farounbi said, ”I believe the PDP is just muddling through without careful thought. All the excuses given for not proceeding with the planned movement of PDP should have been considered before making a public announcement. A deal ought to have been sealed before making a pronouncement.

”Perhaps, the earlier announcement will cost the party a loss of prestige and membership. Some two senators and members of the House of Representatives have crossed to the APC since the earlier announcement.

“I hope that this agreement to support PBAT for Presidency has its concurrence and an assurance of reciprocal support. Unlike Delta and Akwa Ibom states, where the Presidential and Gubernatorial elections will be held simultaneously in 2027, the gubernatorial election in Osun will be held in 2026. The president can afford to wait to know the winner before deciding on which party to woo.

“Given the fluid political situation in Nigeria, it is to be expected that PBAT needs a solid hold on SW votes. And given that he’s related to Osun State, PBAT needs the votes in the state.

”This declaration certainly will gladden his heart. This open betrayal of whoever becomes the PDP presidential candidate may work against the governor, unless he really has a sealed deal with PBAT.

“In the final analysis, Governor Adeleke may be the loser, unless this recent declaration has the blessing of PBAT. Otherwise it could be a leap in the dark. I hope not’.’