Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu another four years to implement his reforms, arguing that the administration needs more time to deliver its promised changes.
Adeleke made the appeal on Wednesday at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he declared his support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The governor said the difficulties associated with implementing reforms made it necessary for Nigerians to allow the President to continue his policies beyond his first term.
“We must give our father, the President of this nation, time for his reform to work. It’s not easy. Four years is not enough,” Adeleke said.
He added, “That is why I’m here to throw my weight.”
Expressing confidence in Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 presidential election, Adeleke said he was already optimistic about the President’s return to Aso Rock.
The governor, popularly known as the “dancing governor”, predicted victory for the President and urged supporters to sustain their commitment to the campaign.
“Nobody can stop this movement,” he told the gathering.
“We’re going to sing, we’re going to dance all the way back to Aso Rock,” Adeleke added.
He also urged campaigners to concentrate on the work ahead, saying Nigerians expected action rather than prolonged discussions.
According to him, preparations for Tinubu’s re-election should begin in earnest to ensure the President secures a second term.
“We don’t have time. The work has begun. I’ve already started mine. Let us rise and make sure our president comes back for the second time,” he said.
Adeleke further called on Nigerians to continue praying for the country’s leadership, expressing the belief that the President’s success would benefit the nation.
“Continue praying for Mr President. If he succeeds, we all succeed. And I know by the special grace of God, we shall get there,” the governor said.
The governor was named coordinator of Tinubu’s presidential campaign in Osun State in a revised list of campaign council members released on Tuesday, ahead of Wednesday’s inauguration.
Other political figures included in the revised list were the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who was assigned responsibility for coordinating the campaign in Rivers State and the FCT, and Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Adeleke, however, governs Osun State under the Accord Party.
The APC constituted the Presidential Campaign Council on August 22, with Tinubu as chairman, Vice President Kashim Shettima as vice chairman, former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari as Director-General and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as secretary.
The party has scheduled the flag-off of its presidential campaign for October 24 in Kaduna.
The presidential election is scheduled for January 16, 2027, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).