Follow Us on Google
From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
As political maneuvers intensify in the lead-up to the 2026 governorship election in Osun State, key figures are focusing on building alliances.
Recently, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, alongside Deputy Speaker, Akinyode Abidemi Oyewusi and Hon. Adesina Rabiu Atanda from Iwo State Constituency, paid a visit to Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, the former Secretary to the State Government.
This meeting comes shortly after Adeoti, a loyalist to Rauf Aregbesola, national secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), announced his withdrawal from the Omoluabi Progressive caucus. The visit underscores the Assembly’s intent to strengthen political relationships and enhance stakeholder engagement in Osun State.
Adeoti’s political ambitions faced a setback within the ADC following the emergence of former Speaker Najeem Salam as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming election. This shift has seemingly sidelined Adeoti, who was expected to be a strong contender.
Having a significant political history, Adeoti was a founding member of the Omoluabi Progressive. He previously served as Secretary to the State Government under Aregbesola and contested the 2018 governorship election under the Action Democratic Party (ADP), alleging that the party’s ticket was manipulated in favor of Adegboyega Oyetola, then Chief of Staff to Aregbesola.
In 2022, Aregbesola endorsed Adeoti as the APC’s gubernatorial candidate amidst tensions with Oyetola. However, the recent announcement of Dr. Najeem Salam as the ADC’s candidate has complicated Adeoti’s political trajectory, leading to his recent withdrawal from the Omoluabi caucus and reflecting on the pressures driving him away from political activities.
The visit from the legislators may indicate a potential alliance between Adeoti and current Governor Ademola Adeleke as the political landscape shifts in anticipation of the election.
Adeoti, known for his prior leadership role within the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), has demonstrated electoral strength, pulling over 40,000 votes during his ADP candidacy in 2018, highlighting his influence in Osun’s political arena.
As party factions within the ADC continue to struggle over leadership and candidate selection, Adeoti’s next moves could significantly impact the political dynamics leading up to the 2026 elections in the state.
