“We believe that the interest that the off-cycle ballot generated again confirms the resilience of Nigerian democracy.”

The Forum further acknowledged the incredibly important role that opposition parties also play in shaping Nigeria’s democracy and commended all the candidates for their efforts.

The NGF also commended the security agencies for curtailing the initial trend of violence in the days leading to the election and creating a secure condition for the exercise to proceed without many incidents.

“Finally, we acknowledge the statesmanlike role that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has played as he carefully balanced his position as the leader of the ruling party on the one hand and the father of the nation on the other.

“We are confident that HE Ademola Adeleke will continue to build on the successes of his first term in the overall interest of the people of Osun State,” the forum added.

According to the council, Adeleke’s support for Tinubu is based on the President’s performance and reforms, rather than a pre-arranged political deal.

The council was responding to Keyamo, who, while congratulating Adeleke on his re-election, said, “Agreement is agreement.”

The minister’s statement has drawn mixed reactions from various quarters with some interpreting it as evidence of a private pact between the governor and the President.

The council said the comment should not undermine the choice made by Osun voters in the August 15 governorship election.

“Do not undermine the resilience of Osun people. There is no agreement.

“Our support for Tinubu is based on his performance and reforms that have strengthened states economically,” Adeleke’s camp said.

Suleiman said the decision followed professional legal advice concerning the eligibility of the incumbent Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida Arugungu, as the governor’s running mate for the 2027 election.

“The present Deputy Governor was dropped as the running mate to Governor Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu for the 2027 general election based on professional legal advice,” he said.

He subsequently announced Ibrahim Muhammad Augie as the new running mate to Governor Nasir Idris for the 2027 governorship election.

Suleiman stressed that the decision was reached with the understanding and consent of Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, insisting that there was no disagreement between the governor and his deputy.

He called on politicians, APC members and supporters across the state to accept the development and work together for the success of the party in the 2027 election.

Speaking with journalists after the event, Governor Nasir Idris also dismissed any suggestion of a disagreement between him and the outgoing deputy governor.

The governor assured party members and supporters that he would work with the new running mate and urged them to remain united and focused on the development of the state.

Ibrahim Muhammad Augie is a former Commissioner for Finance in Kebbi State during the administration of former Governor Atiku Bagudu. He hails from Augie Local Government Area of the state.

The governor expressed appreciation to the people of the Argungu Emirate for their continued support and cooperation with his administration.