The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, has thrown his support behind the APC governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Ajayi argued that Osun State needs a chief executive capable of managing its affairs, rather than an entertainer.
The presidential aide made the remarks while endorsing Oyebamiji and presenting him as the candidate he believes is better positioned to manage the state.
Ajayi’s description appears aimed at differentiating Oyebamiji from his political opponents as the election enters its final days.
The statement comes amid an increasingly competitive contest for the Osun Government House, with candidates making final efforts to persuade voters before Saturday’s poll.
Ajayi said the state should be viewed as an organisation requiring competent management, rather than simply as a platform for popularity or entertainment.
The presidential aide has used Oyebamiji’s background and experience to make the case for his candidacy.
In a related post, Ajayi argued that Osun is not looking to recruit an entertainer but a chief executive to manage what he described as a financially constrained public enterprise.
The comment has introduced another dimension to the campaign, with the APC camp seeking to make management competence and economic administration central issues in the final stage of the election.
Oyebamiji is competing against Governor Ademola Adeleke and other candidates in Saturday’s election.
The contest has become increasingly intense, with political figures from the federal and state levels joining the final push for their preferred candidates.
Ajayi’s endorsement is also significant because of his position within the Presidency and his close association with the Tinubu administration.
However, the ultimate decision remains with Osun voters, who will determine who takes charge of the state after the election.
With the poll approaching, candidates are expected to continue making final appeals to voters on issues including governance, economic development, infrastructure, employment and security.
The latest endorsement adds to the political pressure surrounding the election as the major camps make their closing arguments to the electorate.