EMMANUEL PETER ADAYEHI
Nigeria cannot afford another election cycle defined by intimidation, abuse of power, and disregard for the will of the people. The lessons from Osun 2026 must guide us in 2027.
Lessons from Osun 2026: What Must Never Happen Again
1. True Democracy
2. No Intimidation
3. Free & Fair Elections
4. Peace First
5. Power with Humility
6. Democracy is not by Force
The All Progressives Congress (APC) entered the Osun governorship election believing it was fighting Governor Ademola Adeleke. In the end, it was fighting something far more difficult to defeat: public resolve.
Adeleke’s victory was decisive. The PDP candidate polled 403,371 votes, defeating the APC candidate, Adegboyega Oyetola, who scored 375,027 votes. Adeleke won 17 of the state’s 30 local government areas, securing the mandate to govern.
The result was not about dancing or celebrity. It was about trust. And sometimes, an opponent’s mistakes become a candidate’s most powerful campaign weapon. That is what happened in Osun.
Issues from Osun That Must Not Be Repeated in 2027:
1. Intimidation and Violence
Election observers documented it. Yiaga Africa reported: “Yiaga Africa observers reported cases of vote buying, voter intimidation and late arrival of election materials in some polling units” during the Osun 2026 governorship election. Citizens also alleged harassment by political thugs, creating fear that suppressed turnout in some areas.
2. Allegations of Federal Pressure
In the period around the election and tribunal, there were public accusations and counter-accusations of federal agencies being used against the state government. The timing created a perception that state institutions were being used for politics, and voters punished it at the polls.
3. Mobilization of Federal Structure to Override Voters
Multiple APC governors and national leaders were deployed to Osun in the final days of the campaign. Voters interpreted this as an attempt to use party and federal structure to dictate the outcome instead of letting Osun people decide.
4. Security Gaps in Polling Units
The EU Election Observation Mission noted concerns about the electoral environment. The EUEOM stated that while the Osun election was “transparent and well conducted” they also observed challenges including “late arrival of polling officials and materials” in some locations. On election day, there were complaints from voters about late arrival of security personnel and gaps in protection that created an atmosphere of vulnerability.
5. Dangerous Political Rhetoric
Statements from political actors during the campaign were widely circulated and condemned. The PDP called out what it described as “hurtful rhetoric” and threats. In a tense election, words travel faster than explanations, and they cost votes.
6. Misuse of Federal Power and Identity Politics
The APC campaign leaned on the argument that Osun would benefit more by aligning with Abuja. Voters heard: “Support us because we control the center.” That backfired.
Religion was also dragged into the conversation. In a religiously diverse state like Osun, that risked turning a governance election into a divisive identity contest.
The Bigger Picture
The APC had the Federal Government, structure, and resources. Yet the election became less about governance records and more about pressure, timing, and perception. Adeleke was able to present himself as the candidate defending Osun’s right to choose.
President Tinubu’s influence is considerable, but Osun proved federal power is not transferable. Voters can respect the President and still reject his party’s candidate. The ballot is not a loyalty card.
Why Peter Obi with Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for 2027
This is for the teacher in Ilesa whose salary was delayed, for the student in Ede who wants a job, for the mama in Osogbo who waited 6 hours to vote and still believes her vote can change Nigeria.
Nigerians should not vote for anyone who violates the Peace Accord.
We need leadership that learned the Osun lessons and will act on them from day one:
On INEC: Full operational and financial independence for INEC. Real-time transmission of results from polling units. No manual overrides. Appointment of INEC leadership through a transparent, bipartisan process.
On Security: Security agencies deployed to protect voters, ballot materials, and collation centers only. A clear command that security will not be used to intimidate, and any officer who violates this will face prosecution.
– On State Accounts: End the politics of freezing state accounts around elections. Fiscal federalism that respects state autonomy. No use of federal agencies to punish opposition states.
On Power: Governance with humility. Cut the cost of governance. Prioritize jobs, education, health, and security over political structures.
Peter Obi and Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso represent a ticket committed to accountability, competence, and putting citizens ahead of political machinery.
The real winner in Osun was the voter. The voter who proved that political machinery has limits. The voter who reminded politicians: Power can campaign. Money can campaign. Parties can campaign. Presidents can campaign. But when the ballots are counted, only voters decide.
In 2027, let that same voter decide again.
Vote Peter Obi for President.
Vote Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for Vice President.
References:
1. Yiaga Africa. 2026 Osun State Governorship Election: Election Observation Report. August 2026. Key finding: Reported cases of vote buying, voter intimidation and late arrival of materials in some PUs.
2. European Union Election Observation Mission to Nigeria 2026. Final Report. Page covering Osun 2026. Key finding: Noted late arrival of polling officials/materials while commending overall transparency.