Kalu says Osun election won't affect Tinubu's chances for 2027

Former Abia State Governor and Senator for Abia North, Orji Kalu, has stated that Governor Ademola Adeleke's victory in the Osun State governorship election will not hurt President Bola Tinubu's re-election chances in 2027.

Kalu congratulated Adeleke on his win. He said the result of Saturday's election showed democracy at work. He added it gives the All Progressives Congress a chance to strengthen its base and reconnect with voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement from his media office on Sunday, the former governor said Tinubu's political future in Osun is still “very bright.”

He told APC leaders and supporters not to lose hope due to the result. Instead, they should use it to re-evaluate the party's strategies, build up grassroots support, and engage more with voters and other stakeholders.

“I join President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in congratulating Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as the Governor of Osun State. I also sympathise with the APC leadership, our party’s governorship candidate and all our supporters over the outcome of the election,” Kalu said.

Adeleke, who ran for the Accord Party, beat the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, in a closely fought election. This election was seen as an important test for politics ahead of the 2027 elections.

“What happened in Osun is democracy in play. Elections are about the choice of the people, and as a party, we should be able to come back stronger,” Kalu said.

The senator also praised the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, for his role in the state's development. He encouraged APC members to stay united and focused.

Kalu argued that the APC's defeat in the state does not mean a rejection of Tinubu as the 2027 presidential election approaches.

He believes the President can still gain broad support in Osun. He noted that political alliances might go beyond just APC members to include supporters and stakeholders from other parties.

“The future of President Bola Tinubu in Osun State is very bright. The outcome of this election is not a setback for Mr. President. Rather, it gives us another opportunity to strengthen our relationship with the people and work together for the success of Nigeria,” Kalu said.

He said the APC should see the election as a chance to learn. They should use the time before the 2027 elections to rebuild their grassroots structures and improve engagement with the people.

Kalu urged political stakeholders to accept the election outcome and focus on building Nigeria’s democracy, national unity, and development.