By Thomas Abidoye
Oyetola – The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has attributed the party’s formal endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term to the President’s demonstrated performance, courage, and clear vision for Nigeria’s progress.
On February 14, 2026, Oyetola led the Osun APC in a public endorsement ceremony at Freedom Park in Osogbo.
The event doubled as a reception for several federal lawmakers and supporters who had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, strengthening the party’s position in the state ahead of future elections.
In a statement released on Sunday through his Special Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola described the endorsement as a reflection of strong confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership style and reform initiatives.
He credited the President with implementing tough but essential economic decisions early in his administration to prevent a deeper national economic crisis.
Oyetola highlighted key fiscal and monetary policies that have helped stabilize the economy, draw foreign investments, and rebuild trust in Nigeria’s financial institutions.
He noted that these measures have already produced tangible benefits, such as higher revenue collection and increased transparency in government spending.
The former Osun governor also praised the administration’s emphasis on infrastructure, pointing to ongoing investments in roads, railways, ports, and energy sectors.
He said these developments are creating employment opportunities and laying the foundation for long-term economic expansion.
On the social front, Oyetola commended programs like student loans and assistance for small and medium enterprises, describing them as evidence of a government committed to supporting vulnerable citizens.
He further emphasized improvements in national security through better coordination among agencies and increased backing for law enforcement efforts
.Oyetola portrayed President Tinubu as an experienced leader with a proven track record of transformation, drawing from his successful time as Lagos State governor and his consistent involvement in progressive politics.
He argued that a second term would allow the President to build on current reforms, finish critical infrastructure initiatives, and achieve greater economic stability.
“President Tinubu has demonstrated courage, capacity and commitment to reposition Nigeria. What he needs now is time to complete the good job he has started,”Oyetola stated.
He assured that APC members in Osun State remain solidly united in support of the President’s re-election campaign.
Oyetola also voiced strong optimism about the APC’s prospects in the upcoming Osun governorship election set for August 15, 2026.
He expressed confidence that the party’s candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, would secure victory in the poll.
Relationship Between Oyetola and Tinubu, and Oyetola’s Political Trajectory
Adegboyega Oyetola shares a long-standing and multifaceted relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, rooted in family ties, political mentorship, loyalty, and shared progressive ideals.
Often described as Tinubu’s first cousin, Oyetola has been a close ally since the pre-democracy era, managing aspects of Tinubu’s personal and business interests during Tinubu’s time in exile.
This foundation of trust has endured, with Oyetola consistently demonstrating reliability and alignment with Tinubu’s political vision.
Their bond played a key role in Oyetola’s emergence as a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), where Tinubu has served as a major influencer and godfather in southwest politics.
Oyetola’s political journey began in the private sector, where he built a career in insurance and business administration after earning a BSc in Insurance from the University of Lagos and an MBA.
He entered public life as Chief of Staff to former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola from 2011 to 2018, gaining deep administrative experience.
In 2018, he contested and won the Osun governorship election on the APC platform, serving as governor from November 2018 to November 2022.
His tenure focused on infrastructure, education, health, and fiscal management, though it faced challenges including internal party disputes and a controversial 2022 re-election loss to Ademola Adeleke of the PDP after a supplementary poll.
Following his governorship, Oyetola was appointed Minister of Transportation by President Tinubu in August 2023, before being redeployed days later to head the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
His endorsement of Tinubu aligns with his history of loyalty to the President and reflects ongoing efforts to consolidate APC influence in Osun amid shifting political dynamics.
