The political journey for the 2026 gubernatorial election in Osun State has begun with delusive action from the opposition party in the state with their LG photoshoot session. The purpose of this article isn’t to talk about their attention-seeking activities as many opinion writers, including myself, have shared our takes on them.
Putting into consideration the factor of free and fair election (if there is still any election conducted in such manner again in the country), the likely outcome of an election can be determined even years before the election from the acceptability of political party to the credibility of aspirants or candidates to performances of current administration. Osun political dynamism strongly rewards performance, particularly in areas of workers’ and pensioners’ welfarism and infrastructural renewal. There will be a destination for every journey.
For the political destination of Osun 2026 journey, going by the political history of Osun State, party performances in office in terms of workers’ and citizens’ welfare, and delivery of campaign promises amongst alternative options, it is not too early to say Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke will be REELECTED in the next gubernatorial poll and it will be by an overwhelming majority votes.
It is the highest height of hallucination to believe otherwise, relying on external manipulation and not the electorate as the deciding factor. Only the delusional and rudderless members of the opposition appear to be living in a non-existent world of getting back to power by all means.
In one of Governor Seyi Makinde’s thanksgiving speeches after his reelection, he gave a breakdown of how a typical governor’s first term in office is in Nigeria. GSM mentioned that only the 2nd and the 3rd year are used for governance. The first year is for court litigations and trying to understand the system, while the fourth year is usually for preparation for reelection. So technically, a governor only has 2 years from his first 4 years to fulfill his campaign promises or probably show some commitment to fulfill those promises.
Though, this reflects the Nigerian political system, but seems not to be the case in Osun state. It can be said that the state has defined and redefined the country’s political situation. The 2007 gubernatorial election court case that lasted for over 3½ years brought about the amendment of the electoral act addressing the duration timeframe for any election court trial.
From history, It can be said that Osun people have a strong political will and system that entirely differs from others. Osun has a very strong resistance against intimidation and bad leadership. Osun people are genuine lovers of those who enhance their welfare. This is not the first time power drunkards have attempted to impose their minority will over the people. In 2014, shortly after the Ekiti election had been decided and there were fears that a similar fate may visit Osun state, but it failed woefully as the then incumbent governor won the election with over 100,000 votes and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola became the first two-term governor in the state history.
The main justification that landed Ogbeni his reelection amidst federal might power players was his commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises and introducing a new style of governance and leadership to the state. Ogbeni did not only fulfill his campaign promises, he surpassed the people’s expectations, which earned him the name “Architect of Modern Osun.”
Moving back to the recent situation, it’s beyond doubt that Governor Ademola Adeleke has outperformed his immediate predecessor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, in governance and delivery of campaign promises. Many people who thought he would be a repeat of his predecessor are currently seeking forgiveness for jumping to hasty conclusions about him. Governor Adeleke has not only proven them wrong, but he has also maintained the credibility of his people (Osun people) by making his goal the people of Osun – the welfare of Osun State’s workers.
The state government under his leadership has significantly surpassed the 5-point agenda of his campaign. By bringing life back to the civil service of the state through improved workers’ and pensioners’ welfarism, reintroduction of Permanent Secretaries to the system, and implementation of workers’ promotion with cash backing amongst many other things in the service.
Governor Adeleke did not focus on the workers’ welfare and abandoned other essential areas. He is ensuring workers’ welfare alongside infrastructural development of the state. He recently launched a 159 billion naira infra-plan which is his second infra-plan in less than 3 years in office. This infra-plan cuts across road network infrastructures, education, and healthcare. It is not out of place to say that this is first time in the state’s history where people’s welfare and infrastructural development are working together without one having to stop for the other.
Having discussed the political history of state and performance of Governor Adeleke, the acceptability of major political parties in the state, PDP, and APC. It will also not be out of place to say that there is nothing the Osun people detest most now than the shameless and lying opposition party whose main aim is to mislead the public.
APC was booted out of power after 12 years and to date, the people still feel vindicated for their impressive action. A party that has failed to provide alternative options to governance as an opposition after failing in office will never be trusted to come near Bola Ige again in the state’s history.
The people constantly reject their lies across all mediums, especially on local radio. The people of Osun State have consistently rejected the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to their poor performance while in office. The APC’s tenure was marked by a lack of direction and ineffective governance, which had a negative impact on the state’s development. This woeful delivery has led to widespread dissatisfaction among the Osun people, who have since turned their backs on the party.
Even in opposition, the APC has failed to redeem itself. Instead of providing constructive criticism and viable alternatives, the party has resorted to chasing rhetoric and spreading falsehoods. This approach has only served to further erode the party’s acceptability and reinforce the perception that it is out of touch with the needs and concerns of the Osun people.
For now, the Osun people seem determined to move forward without the APC. With the current administration’s focus on pro-people governance and infrastructure development, there is a sense of optimism and renewal in the state. Osun is a no-go area for the APC even with their rigging blueprint, and it is very unlikely that the party will be able to regain its footing anytime soon.
Governor Ademola Adeleke’s credibility in Osun has reached unprecedented heights, surpassing that of his predecessors and contemporaries. He is arguably the most loved governor in Nigeria. His commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance has earned him the trust and admiration of the people. As a leader who has consistently demonstrated his dedication to the welfare of Osun citizens, Adeleke has become the gold standard for credible leadership in the state and the nation at large.
In contrast, the Osun APC has struggled to find a leader who can match Adeleke’s credibility. Even in their best efforts, they will be unable to produce a candidate who can inspire the same level of trust and confidence that Adeleke has built. This is because of Adeleke’s exceptional leadership qualities and his ability to connect with the people of Osun.
Senator Adeleke’s credibility has also been reinforced by his administration’s focus on people-centered governance. His commitment to improving the lives of Osun citizens has led to significant investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. These efforts have not only improved the quality of life for Osun residents but have also cemented Adeleke’s reputation as a leader who puts the needs of his people first.
His commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability has raised the bar for leadership in Osun, and his administration’s focus on people-centered governance has inspired a new generation of leaders. As Governor Adeleke continues to lead Osun with integrity and vision, his credibility will only continue to grow.
As the 2026 Osun gubernatorial election draws near, Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election seems all but certain. His administration’s impressive performance, coupled with the Osun APC’s lack of credibility and internal divisions, has created a perfect storm that will likely sweep Adeleke back into office. With his commitment to the welfare of Osun citizens and his track record of delivering on his campaign promises, Governor Adeleke has built a loyal following that will propel him to victory.
In 2014, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola defied federal might to win re-election with over 100,000 votes. Given Governor Adeleke’s better performance and the Osun APC’s weakened state, it is likely that he will surpass Aregbesola’s margin of victory. A landslide win of over 150,000 votes is not only possible but probable, given the current political landscape. As the Osun people prepare to go to the polls, one thing is clear: Governor Ademola Adeleke will emerge victorious, and the Osun APC will be left to pick up the pieces.
James Bamgbose writes from Igbajo, Boluwaduro Local Government and can be reached via email at bamgbosejames9@gmail.com
