The N3.5m Gamble: Meet the Ekiti Driver Who Borrowed Millions to Back Tinubu’s Re-Election

​Political loyalty often comes with passionate speeches and public rallies, but for Adeleye Adeniyi, a mini-truck driver operating around the BAO Timber Market in Ado Ekiti, it has translated into a heavy financial commitment. Popularly known locally as the “Online Loan Man for BAO,” Adeniyi has gone to extraordinary lengths to back the political ambitions of President Bola Tinubu and other key lawmakers.

​In a viral video captured by Ekiti State Television (EKTV), Adeniyi proudly displayed a Wema Bank cardboard cheque detailing a total loan breakdown of N3.5 million. The funds have been channeled into supporting three prominent political figures:

• ​President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: N2 million

• ​Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Senate Leader): N1 million

• ​Hon. Steve Fatoba (Ekiti State House of Assembly): N500,000

​Driven by Performance and Projects

​Defending his bold financial move, Adeniyi stated that his decision stems from a deep conviction in the administration’s achievements and leadership capacity.

​”I am supporting Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his second-term ambition. I have borrowed money. I want to use this money to support him because he’s doing a very great job,” Adeniyi declared.

​He also expressed immense admiration for Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, noting that the federal lawmaker’s commitment to community development projects in Ekiti State heavily inspired his endorsement.

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​Beyond financial backing, Adeniyi intends to hit the ground running with grassroots mobilization. Armed with a custom campaign track built around the popular slogan, “On your mandate, we shall stand,” he remains optimistic that a second term will yield even greater dividends for ordinary citizens.

​A History of High-Stakes Political Fandom

​This latest gesture is not an isolated incident for the dedicated motorist. Earlier in February, Adeniyi made headlines by securing digital loans through OPay to brand a commercial vehicle in fervent support of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second-term bid.

​While his unconventional show of patriotism has drawn mixed reactions from the public—sparking debates over grassroots devotion versus financial self-preservation—Adeniyi remains unfazed, urging Nigerians to look past current hardships and support the administration’s continuity.