Osun 2026: As Gov. Ademola Adeleke’s Administration Nears Exit, Don’t Be A Victim ~ By Abdullahi Tadese (Wisdom Prince)

Before narrowing the focus of this piece, let me extend my greetings to all Muslim faithful in Osun State and around the world on the successful celebration of Eid al-Fitr, as well as to Christians observing the Lenten period. I pray that God Almighty accepts all our acts of worship, charity, and the spiritual devotion we demonstrated throughout the holy period.

According to behavioral economist and psychologist Daniel Kahneman, “Nothing in life is as important as you think it is while you are thinking about it.” As the political atmosphere gradually intensifies ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, one message is increasingly echoed across different quarters: “Don’t be a victim.” This phrase, though simple, captures deeper concerns about voter awareness, information integrity, and the responsibility of citizens in a democratic society.

As the administration of Ademola Adeleke approaches its closing chapter, public discourse is becoming increasingly polarized. There is growing concern that the current administration has fallen short of several promises made during the 2022 campaign. Rather than providing clear accountability, the government appears to rely on narratives aimed at deflecting responsibility and appealing to public emotion for sympathy. The risk, therefore, lies in citizens forming opinions based on incomplete, distorted, or emotionally charged information.

A renowned scholar in political science and communication, Herbert Simon, introduced the concept of bounded rationality, explaining that “the capacity of the human mind for formulating and solving complex problems is very small compared with the size of the problems.” In practical terms, this suggests that voters may rely on simplified narratives or persuasive messaging rather than deep analysis, making them vulnerable during election cycles.

In the context of Osun politics, such vulnerabilities are often amplified by actors within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)/Accord, who continue to shape public perception and subtly influence beliefs, sometimes without overt coercion.

The call to “not be a victim” goes beyond partisan lines. It is a call for intellectual independence, civic responsibility, and critical engagement. It challenges voters to be more discerning and forward-thinking.

The 2022 gubernatorial election came with numerous promises to the people of Osun State. However, many of these assurances remain unfulfilled. Rather than addressing these gaps with transparency and accountability, there appears to be a growing trend of deflection, misinformation, and attempts to shift blame particularly toward the federal government and the previous administration in the state.

On the issue of local government autonomy, for instance, narratives have been shaped in ways that may mislead the public, often appealing to emotion. As the saying goes, you cannot drink poison and expect your enemy to die. Similarly, following the subsidy removal by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, several financial supports were reportedly extended to states to cushion the effects and invest in alternatives such as CNG-powered transportation. Questions have since arisen regarding how such funds have been utilized in Osun State and whether they have effectively translated into public benefit.

Fiscal responsibility is another area of concern. With Osun’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) reportedly standing at ₦58 billion in 2025, juxtaposed with expenditures exceeding ₦92 billion on food and entertainment within the Governor’s Office, this raises serious questions about prudence, priorities, and accountability in governance.

Beyond political debates, concerns persist in key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, trade and investment, and infrastructure. These areas appear not to have received the level of attention required to drive sustainable development. Questions also remain regarding the pace and scale of teacher recruitment and broader public sector reforms.

Furthermore, it is important to clarify certain narratives surrounding Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), the APC gubernatorial candidate, who has been the subject of various claims. Contrary to some misinformation from opponents, Oyebamiji assumed office as Commissioner for Finance in May 2017 and played a significant role in stabilizing the state’s finances during a challenging period, contributing to the restoration of regular salary payments. AMBO represents competence, stability, and economic expertise.

Similarly, the administration of Adegboyega Oyetola continues to generate debate. While criticisms exist, his tenure was marked by fiscal discipline, prudent debt management, and consistent salary payments.

As the political space becomes more charged, citizens must resist becoming victims of misinformation or politically motivated distortions. Participation in the democratic process remains crucial, as the power to shape the future of Osun State ultimately lies in the hands of its people.

The upcoming election on August 15 presents an opportunity to make a choice that prioritizes competence, economic growth, and sustainable development. The candidacy of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji and his running mate, Engr. Benjamin Adereti, represents a pathway to renewed progress, economic revitalization, and institutional strengthening in Osun State.

This is a defining moment for Osun State. Citizens must rise above sentiment and carefully evaluate the current administration of Ademola Adeleke based on leadership quality, credibility, and a clear, visionary agenda.

AMBO ti kayọ̀ dé láti tún ìpínlẹ̀ Osun ṣe.