By Dr Margaret Fagboyo
The just concluded Osun State governorship election has come and gone, but its lessons will remain with Nigeria’s political class for a long time.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party has secured a second term after polling 511,067 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who polled 444,815 votes. Adeleke also carried 19 of Osun State’s 30 Local Government Areas.
Beyond the figures, however, there is a bigger political story.
It is the story of a man who won against considerable odds. It is a story of performance, connection with the people, resilience, political survival and the power of the electorate.
Performance Can Speak Louder Than Political Machinery
Perhaps the strongest lesson from Osun is that performance remains one of the most powerful campaign messages available to an incumbent.
Political endorsements are important. Party structures matter. Powerful political networks matter. Access to influential personalities can help a campaign.
But ultimately, the voter standing before the ballot paper asks a more personal question:
“What has this government done for me, my family and my community?”
Governor Adeleke campaigned substantially on the record of his administration and asked the people of Osun to judge him by his performance. The outcome suggests that a significant number of voters were persuaded to give him another mandate.
This should be a lesson to every elected public official: do not wait until election season to discover the people. Governance itself is a campaign.
Every road constructed, every community reached, every worker treated with dignity, every school or health facility improved and every citizen who feels seen can become part of the story an administration takes back to the electorate.
Federal Might Is Not the Same as People’s Might
Another important lesson from Osun is the danger of assuming that perceived access to federal power automatically translates into votes.
Federal support may be politically significant, but federal might cannot replace grassroots acceptance.
Indeed, one of the encouraging aspects of the election is that the contest was ultimately decided through the votes cast by the people rather than simply by assumptions about who had the more powerful political connections.
In a democracy, the greatest “might” should remain the collective will of the electorate.
Political actors should therefore be careful about building campaigns around the impression that victory is guaranteed because powerful people are behind them. Such language can even provoke resistance among voters who want to demonstrate that their votes, rather than political connections, determine who governs them.
The people may listen to political leaders, but ultimately, they own their votes.
Adeleke’s Victory Is Also a Lesson in Resilience
The political journey of Ademola Adeleke itself deserves attention.
In 2022, he defeated the then incumbent Governor Gboyega Oyetola, polling 403,371 votes against Oyetola’s 375,027. His victory subsequently travelled through an intense judicial process before the Supreme Court ultimately affirmed his election.
Four years later, he entered another difficult contest, this time seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party.
Whatever one’s political affiliation, there is a lesson here:
Political setbacks do not necessarily mean political extinction.
Leadership requires the capacity to remain focused when circumstances change, when alliances shift, when people once considered dependable move in another direction, and when the political environment appears unfavourable.
There were defections, shifting alliances and political disagreements around the governor ahead of the election. Yet elections are ultimately determined by voters, not merely by the number of prominent politicians standing on a campaign podium.
Sometimes those we trust will take a different political path. The response should not always be bitterness. Stay focused, strengthen your relationship with the people and allow your work to speak.
Never Lose Touch With the People
Adeleke’s political style has always carried a strong element of accessibility and identification with ordinary people.
Some may criticise his style; others may celebrate it. But one thing politicians should study is the importance of emotional connection with the electorate and the love of the Adeleke’s Family in Osun.
Politics is not conducted only in government offices, television studios or on social media.
It happens in markets.
It happens in villages.
It happens at community meetings.
It happens among workers, artisans, young people, traditional institutions, religious communities and ordinary families.
A leader who remembers the people outside election season stands a better chance of being remembered by them during an election.
You cannot abandon the grassroots for four years and expect a few weeks of campaigning to manufacture genuine affection.
Foul Language Does Not Win Hearts
Another lesson we must take seriously concerns the language of politics.
Election campaigns should never become competitions in insults.
Supporters who believe they are defending their candidates by abusing opponents may actually be damaging the very candidate they claim to support.
Foul language does not demonstrate strength. Insults do not constitute a manifesto. Intimidation is not persuasion.
We must learn to disagree without destroying relationships.
Today’s opponent may become tomorrow’s ally. Political parties change. Alliances change. Governments change. But our communities, friendships and families remain.
Nigeria needs a political culture in which candidates debate ideas, records, policies and solutions rather than personalities, families and private lives.
You do not need to destroy another person’s dignity to promote your preferred candidate.
Social Media Noise Is Not Always Electoral Strength
The Osun election equally reminds us that social media popularity and electoral popularity are not necessarily the same thing.
Social media is powerful. It shapes narratives, mobilises supporters and influences public conversation.
But elections are won when people physically go to polling units and cast their ballots.
Followers are not automatically voters. Likes are not votes. Retweets are not polling units.
Political leaders must therefore combine digital engagement with genuine grassroots organisation and human connection.
One Thing You Cannot Take Away From Adeleke: Gratitude to God
There is another dimension of Governor Adeleke’s public personality that I find noteworthy: his willingness to openly express gratitude to God.
At victories, public functions and significant moments, he repeatedly gives thanks to God.
In fact, in outlining the case for his re-election earlier this year, Adeleke himself publicly connected his approach to leadership with praising God while serving the people.
There is a lesson beyond politics here.
Whether in victory or adversity, never forget the place of gratitude.
Positions are temporary. Political power is temporary. Applause is temporary. But recognising that no human being achieves anything entirely by his or her own strength encourages humility.
Victory should therefore not become an opportunity for arrogance or vengeance.
It should be an opportunity to say:
“Thank you, God. Thank you to the people. Now, let us get back to work.”
Victory Must Now Become Greater Responsibility
Winning an election is not the end of the story.
For Governor Adeleke, the greater test begins now.
Those who voted for him have renewed their trust. Those who voted against him are equally citizens of Osun State and deserve good governance.
The appropriate response to victory must therefore be greater performance, humility and inclusiveness.
There should be no room for vindictiveness.
A second term mandate should not be interpreted merely as a political trophy; it should be regarded as a heavier burden of responsibility.
The Lessons From Osun
Osun has reminded Nigeria’s political class that performance matters; grassroots connection matters; resilience matters; humility matters; and the people matter.
It has reminded us that political heavyweights cannot simply transfer votes by command.
It has reminded us that federal influence should never be mistaken for ownership of the electorate.
It has reminded us that betrayal or shifting alliances need not be the end of a political journey.
It has reminded us that insults, threats and foul language diminish our politics rather than strengthen it.
And above all, it has reminded us that a determined candidate who retains the confidence of enough voters can win against the odds.
Governor Adeleke has received another opportunity to lead Osun State. He must now justify that confidence with even greater service and performance.
To the winners, be magnanimous.
To those who lost, accept the lessons, reorganise and live to contest another day.
To political supporters, disagree without hatred.
And to everyone entrusted with public office, remember:
The most dependable political structure is not federal might, social-media popularity or the collection of big names around you.
It is the trust of the people.
When the people believe that you have served them, connected with them and respected them, they can stand with you even when the odds appear overwhelming.
Osun has spoken. May democracy continue to grow stronger.
Dr Margaret Fagboyo
Development Practitioner Gender Advocate