Senator Abdulaziz Yari, director-general of the APC presidential campaign council, says the ruling party is counting on Osun to support President Bola Tinubu with two million votes in the upcoming elections scheduled for January 2027, according to a statement from the monarch’s aide, Sodiq Lawal.

Mr Yari led a delegation from the APC presidential campaign council to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Sunday to seek royal endorsement for Mr Tinubu’s bid for a second term.

“We are here today to seek the blessings of Your Imperial Majesty,” said the Zamfara West senator. “We are committed to working tirelessly to ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secures a second term in office.”

Mr Yari claimed the economy was improving under Mr Tinubu’s leadership and asked the people of Osun to give him a second chance at the 2027 polls.

He said, “We know the economic situation Nigeria faced in 2023, and it is getting much better today. We believe Nigerians will give President Tinubu another opportunity, and we are committed to working towards that objective.”

Mr Yari said the APC was targeting up to two million voters in Osun. Records from the August 15 governorship poll showed 2,339,233 registered voters, but only one million cast their ballots.

The Osun governorship election recorded a total of 1,005,800 votes cast, but only 985,079 were valid, with 20,721 rejected.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, despite being a member of the Accord Party, joined Mr Tinubu’s campaign council on the courtesy visit to the monarch.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa also vowed to support Mr  Tinubu with one million votes to smooth his election bid.   

“When we were inaugurated, we were charged with ensuring that every governor takes responsibility for his state,” Mr Aiyedatiwa said. “Ondo state is for Asiwaju, and we promise that one million votes will be delivered.”

Mr Ogunwusi thanked the delegation and hailed Mr Tinubu and his wife, acknowledging their contributions towards promoting the interests of the Yoruba people.