The re-election campaign of Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has received a major boost following the endorsement of his second-term bid by Dr Ademola Ekundayo, the 2018 governorship candidate of the Action People’s Party (APP).
Ekundayo announced his decision after a meeting with the leadership of the Not Too Young to Rule (NTYTR) movement, led by its National Coordinator, Hon. Samuel Ogundairo, in Osogbo, the state capital.
Ogundairo explained that his team was in Osun to mobilise youth support for Governor Adeleke, adding that the meeting with Ekundayo was aimed at securing the former APP candidate’s backing ahead of the August 8, 2026, governorship election.
At the end of the meeting, which had in attendance Ekundayo’s supporters from across the state and leaders of several youth organisations, Ekundayo pledged to work tirelessly for Adeleke’s re-election.
Ekundayo, who contested the 2018 governorship election under the APP and was attacked during the rerun poll in parts of the state, said he had since maintained his commitment to Osun’s progress without lobbying for political appointments.
Explaining his decision to back Adeleke, the former state chairman and current National Publicity Secretary of the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) said the governor’s performance had distinguished him among his peers.
“The Governor’s policies and programmes since assuming office have been people-oriented and impactful. I have therefore directed my supporters across the 30 local government areas of the state to support him, regardless of political party affiliation,” Ekundayo stated.
He assured that his political structure would be fully deployed to ensure Adeleke’s victory in the 2026 poll, adding that his commitment was driven by the need to consolidate the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, education, and youth empowerment.
In his remarks, Hon. Ogundairo said his meeting with Ekundayo marked the beginning of a broader mobilisation campaign for Adeleke’s re-election.
“I have toured several parts of the state and observed the Governor’s visible achievements in infrastructure and human capital development. That is why we are rallying young people and political leaders to support his second term,” Ogundairo declared.
He added that the Not Too Young to Rule movement would continue to engage stakeholders across all local government areas to ensure overwhelming support for Governor Adeleke’s continuity in office.
