Osun Arewa community, pensioners endorse Adeleke ahead of gov poll

The Arewa community in Osun State on Wednesday endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke as its preferred candidate in the 2026 governorship poll.

Speaking during a rally attended by members of the community from across the state, the leader of the group, Alhaji Saheed Maiburuji, commended the Adeleke administration for its various initiatives towards improving lives of the, especially rural dwellers.

Maiburuji further said that members of the Arewa community from various towns and villages across the 30 local government areas in the state were mobilised to the event as a proof of their readiness to support Adeleke for another term in office.

“We feel the good impact of our governor and we looked round and resolved to back Mr Governor for a second term in office. We are ready to vote you in again,our dear governor.

“We mobilise ourselves here today to endorse you for a second term. All our leaders from the 30 local governments are here. We are for you sir,” Maiburuji said.

Addressing the gathering, Adeleke who assured the Arewa community of actions on their needs, commended them and reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to the welfare of all residents of the state.

“I thank you so much. I accept the endorsement. I am assuring you, every of your demands has been noted. By the grace of God, when I am re-elected, all of us will be alive to enjoy the rewards of our labour.

“We will work together and enjoy the benefits too. I have instructed that your demands be noted. I am assuring you, all of them will be considered and implemented. I appreciate you all,” Adeleke said.

A statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Oluwale Rasheed, stated that at another endorsement rally also held in Osogbo on Wednesday, a group of retirees that left the service on contributory pension scheme, also declared support for Adeleke.

Addressing the pensioners at the event, the governor said, “When we assumed office, many retirees were uncertain about their future. Faith in government was at its lowest. We promised to act and today, I am proud to say that we have matched our words with action. We ensured prompt payment of Accrued Rights Benefits, and maintained the regular payment of monthly pensions. We are paying outstanding arrears inherited from previous administrations.

“We commenced the payment of the half salary arrears owed to pensioners by previous Governments; we enrolled retirees free of charge into the Osun Health Insurance Scheme. We sustain the payment of death benefits and Group Life Assurance claims to families of deceased workers.”

He continued, “Today, Osun State ranks the third-best performing state in the country in the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme. I therefore urge you not only to support this administration but to become ambassadors of truth in your various communities. Tell your children, your neighbours, your friends and every eligible voter what this administration has done and what we still intend to do.

“When the time comes on August 15, 2026, I encourage all of you to come out enmasse and exercise your democratic right. Let your votes speak for continuity, stability and progress. Let your votes speak for a government that has demonstrated genuine concern for workers, retirees and the people of Osun State.”

The leadership and members of Nigeria Union of Pensioners had earlier endorsed Adeleke at a rally held in Osogbo.