Key Points

• Adeleke says performance and popularity make him confident of re-election.

• PDP screening committee clears him for 2026 Osun governorship race.

• Governor expresses belief that Tinubu will allow a free and fair poll.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke says he’s confident of winning re-election in 2026, pointing to his administration’s achievements and the strong public support across the state.

Adeleke spoke with reporters in Abuja on Tuesday after facing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Screening Panel.

“I’m so confident I’m going to win,” he said. “If I could defeat an incumbent before becoming governor, imagine now with the work we’ve done in two years. Nobody can beat us there.”

Governor highlights performance and popularity

The governor said he isn’t worried about political influence or federal interference in the upcoming poll. According to him, his popularity and record of performance will stand as his defense.

“How can I be scared? I’m too popular. Everywhere I go, people love me. Even members of the All Progressives Congress greet me warmly,” he said.

“When you’re performing and your people support you, there’s no reason to fear.”

Adeleke added that he trusts President Bola Tinubu to allow a transparent process. “I believe the president won’t interfere. He’ll prefer a free and fair election,” he said.

PDP screening committee praises Adeleke’s readiness

The chairman of the PDP Governorship Screening Committee for Osun, Adebayo Adepoju, said Adeleke met all requirements and satisfied the panel.

“Our review showed that all his documents and credentials were complete,” Adepoju said.

“He submitted everything early, and we verified each one. His nomination came from both well-known figures and grassroots members, showing he’s accepted across Osun.”

Adepoju explained that more aspirants would still appear before the committee. He said the team would forward its full report to the party leadership once the process ends