Kenneth Okonkwo, campaign spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has recalled the support Atiku gave Ademola Adeleke during his bid to become governor of Osun State.
Okonkwo made the disclosure on Monday, August 17, 2026, while discussing Atiku’s political relationship with Adeleke and the former vice president’s influence in Osun politics.
According to Okonkwo, Adeleke himself had acknowledged Atiku’s role in his political journey.
“Adeleke said, ‘Atiku Abubakar came to Osun State, raised his hand and campaigned for him,’” Okonkwo stated.
He explained that Atiku personally visited Osun State, publicly identified with Adeleke and campaigned in his support during the governor’s efforts to secure the state’s top political office.
Okonkwo said the intervention reflected the political relationship between Atiku and Adeleke and highlighted the support Adeleke received from prominent political figures during his emergence as governor.
The reference to Adeleke’s own account also underscored that Atiku’s involvement was not merely private or behind-the-scenes. According to Okonkwo, the former vice president openly stood with Adeleke and used his political influence to campaign for him.
The disclosure comes amid renewed political discussions over alliances between national political figures and state governors, particularly as political actors continue to reassess relationships ahead of future electoral contests.
Atiku, a former vice president and long-standing figure in Nigerian politics, has maintained political relationships with influential figures across the country. Okonkwo’s comments therefore highlighted the former vice president’s role in Adeleke’s political history and the significance of the support he provided during the governor’s campaign.
The statement also reflects the broader importance of political endorsements in Nigerian elections, where backing from influential figures can boost a candidate’s visibility, strengthen campaign networks and help mobilise supporters.
For Okonkwo, Atiku’s visit to Osun and his public campaign for Adeleke remain significant examples of the political support that contributed to Adeleke’s journey to the governorship.
