Muniru Raji, the Special Adviser on Political Matters to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has confidently declared that his boss will defeat former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola again if he contests in the 2026 governorship election.

Speaking on a podcast titled Lero Temi in Osogbo, Raji described Oyetola—who currently serves as Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy—as the “easiest candidate to beat” in the state.

“If the APC fields Oyetola again in 2026, Governor Adeleke will beat him soundly like he did in 2022,” Raji said.

Raji also addressed rumours that Governor Adeleke might dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying there’s no such plan. According to him, Adeleke remains committed to the PDP and will seek re-election under the party’s banner.

“Defections are normal in Nigerian politics,” Raji explained, “but Adeleke has no plans to leave the PDP. In fact, when he took office, all elected officials in the state were from the APC. Yet, the people stood firmly behind him.”

He emphasized that Adeleke’s real strength lies in the loyalty of voters, not political office holders.

“The electorate are the true power behind Adeleke’s success—2018, 2022, and now looking ahead to 2026. Their support has never wavered.”

Raji further confirmed that the internal issues rocking the PDP at the national level, especially around the party’s National Secretary position, have been resolved. He also dismissed claims that Adeleke met with APC chieftains to discuss possible defection.

On the 2027 presidential election, Raji made a surprising revelation: “Adeleke and the PDP in Osun will support President Tinubu’s re-election. Not because of party politics, but because Tinubu is a Yoruba man, and he needs support from the South.”

The statement adds a twist to Osun's political landscape—clearing up defection rumours, reaffirming Adeleke’s 2026 ambition, and hinting at cross-party support for Tinubu in 2027.