Osun 2026 and the Questions Before the Electorate

As the 2026 Osun governorship election approaches, political activities across the state have entered a more intense phase. One of the most noticeable developments is the campaign style adopted by the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has focused largely on issue-based engagement through ward-to-ward and community-to-community mobilisation. Many political observers believe this grassroots approach has broadened public discussion on the performance and policies of the Ademola Adeleke administration.

Governor Ademola Adeleke’s recent appeal to President Bola Tinubu has also attracted significant public attention. To many analysts, the statement reflects the heightened political tension surrounding the election and the evolving political atmosphere in Osun State.

A recurring concern in public debate is the extent to which government policies and projects have impacted rural communities. Critics argue that many residents outside the major urban centres have not felt substantial improvements in their daily lives. They also question the quality and durability of some infrastructure projects, which opposition campaigners frequently cite as evidence of poor value for public funds.

Compared with the mood that accompanied the 2022 governorship election, some observers believe the governor is now facing a more critical electorate. They argue that voters are paying closer attention to governance, appointments, project delivery, and broader development policies rather than relying solely on political sentiment.

The political environment itself has changed considerably since the last election. Alliances, influence, and strategic calculations that were decisive in 2022 may not carry the same weight in 2026, making the coming contest potentially more competitive.

Security remains another major issue. Many citizens insist that the election must be peaceful, transparent, and free from intimidation. They expect security agencies to conduct themselves professionally, remain politically neutral, and enforce electoral laws fairly against all actors, regardless of party affiliation.

Questions have also been raised about governance decisions, particularly the partial relocation of some government activities from Abeere in Osogbo to Ede. Critics say the development has created a perception that administrative attention is being concentrated in one part of the state, a perception that the government’s supporters strongly dispute.

Closely related to this is the debate over the geographical distribution of infrastructure projects. Residents in several towns contend that development should be spread more evenly so that all communities feel adequately represented in the state’s development agenda.

Public discussion has further extended to the issue of family involvement in government appointments. Critics argue that appointing several members of the same family to important positions may create an unfavourable public perception and could weaken confidence in government institutions.

Some political observers also point to the governor’s strained relationship with certain former allies and influential politicians who supported his victory in 2022. They believe these disagreements may affect the cohesion and strength of his political support base.

In addition, analysts have discussed party structure and organisational capacity ahead of the election. They note that emerging political alignments may not possess the same statewide network and grassroots machinery that major parties traditionally rely upon, a factor that could influence campaign effectiveness across many local governments.

Taken together, these issues suggest that the 2026 Osun governorship election may be more closely contested than many initially expected. Nevertheless, beyond campaign rhetoric, partisan arguments, and political calculations, the final verdict rests with the people of Osun State. On election day, it is the electorate—not politicians, parties, or commentators—who will decide the future direction of the state.

KAKAKIOODUA Editorial Board