Between Results and Rhetoric: Why Osun Voters Are Rallying Behind Adeleke

By Comrade Samakin Abdul-Jeleel Abbiodun 

As the countdown to the 2026 governorship election in Osun State gathers momentum, the political atmosphere is tilting to favor Governor Ademola Adeleke. On one side stands the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party many people describe as increasingly defined by noise, attacks, and recycled narratives of peddling falsehoods. On the other side is the administration of Ademola Adeleke; an administration widely regarded by good people of Osun as people-focused, transparent, and development-driven.

Over the past three years, the APC’s political strategy has largely revolved around criticism, misinformation and personal attacks rather than presenting a clear, actionable agenda for the future of Osun State. Public engagements by its leaders often echo the same pattern; condemnation without constructive alternatives. For a party seeking to regain public trust, this absence of a compelling vision raises serious concerns about its readiness to lead.

This skepticism is not without foundation. The memories of the administration led by Adegboyega Oyetola remain fresh in the minds of many citizens. For workers, retirees, and everyday residents, that period is often associated with hardship, stagnation, and limited developmental impact. The experience has left a lasting impression, shaping public perception and reinforcing doubts about the APC’s capacity to deliver meaningful progress.

The emergence of  Munirudeen Oyebanji within the APC fold has further intensified calls for accountability. Having played roles in the previous APC administrations,  many citizens are asking a simple but critical question: what exactly will be different this time? So far, clear answers have remained elusive, further strengthening the belief that the opposition lacks both direction and substance.

In contrast, Governor Adeleke’s administration continues to earn recognition for prioritizing the welfare of the people and pursuing visible development across key sectors. From infrastructure improvements to a more responsive style of governance, citizens boat that the current government has restored confidence in leadership and demonstrated a genuine commitment to service.

Beyond performance, the political awareness of the Osun electorate has significantly evolved. Today’s voters are informed, engaged, and unwilling to be swayed by propaganda or unverified claims. With access to multiple sources of information, they can independently assess the realities on ground and many are already doing so. This growing awareness has made it increasingly difficult for opposition narratives built on exaggeration or misinformation to gain credibility.

The reality, therefore, is that the 2026 election is shaping up to be a referendum on performance versus propaganda. While the APC continues to invest energy in criticism and propaganda, the Adeleke administration is focused on governance and delivery. For many residents, the choice is becoming clearer: continuity of a government they can see and feel, or a return to a past they have already experienced.

As things stand, the momentum on the ground suggests a strong and growing resolve among the people to sustain the progress recorded under Governor Adeleke. In the face of what critics describe as an uninspiring opposition, the call for continuity is not just political—it is increasingly becoming a reflection of public confidence in leadership that prioritizes the people above politics.

07/04/2026