By Richard Ajayi and Chike Akabogu
Hot News Channel
TORONTO, CANADA — A leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Imo State, Chief Charles Orie, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating uncommon democratic temperament in the conduct and outcome of the Osun State governorship election.
Chief Orie, who is currently on a political consultation tour of Imo indigenes in the diaspora, spoke to journalists in Toronto, Canada, on Sunday, August 16, 2026, following the declaration of Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party as winner of the Osun governorship poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
According to Chief Orie, the President’s decision not to interfere with the electoral process, and his prompt congratulatory call to the opposition governor-elect, underscores his commitment to free, fair, and credible elections.
“You are aware that Governor Ademola Adeleke himself confirmed that President Bola Tinubu called to congratulate him on his victory. This is despite the fact that Adeleke belongs to an opposition party, while the President is the leader of the ruling APC,” Orie stated.
He added: “President Tinubu believes in free and fair elections and does not interfere in the work of INEC. Instead, he gives the Commission the independence to discharge its constitutional duties without fear or favour.”
The Imo APC chieftain recalled President Tinubu’s historic role in the struggle for democracy, noting that his credentials remain “unassailable.”
“All of you know that the President fought the military alongside other patriots to restore democracy to Nigeria in 1999. His democratic credentials are unassailable,” he said.
Chief Orie also commended the Federal Government for the adequate deployment of security personnel to Osun State during the election, which he said helped to safeguard lives and property.
“The President mobilized enough security personnel to Osun State to protect lives and properties during the elections. This is highly commendable,” he noted.
Concluding, Chief Orie urged Nigerians, particularly the people of Imo State, to rally behind President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that continuity is critical for the consolidation of ongoing reforms.
“I therefore urge all Imo people and Nigerians at large to support the re-election bid of President Tinubu in 2027,” he said.
You may recall that Chief Orie, widely regarded as a charismatic and grassroots politician, is rounding off the North American leg of his diaspora consultation tour by the end of August 2026.
Political observers in Imo believe Chief Orie stands out among APC governorship aspirants ahead of the 2027 election, citing his track record in public service, business, and philanthropy through the Chief Charles Orie Foundation.
