In a bold and unyielding declaration, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has asserted that no obstacle—be it political rivalry, federal interference, or internal party challenges—will derail his ambition for a second term in office. The governor, speaking with unbridled confidence, emphasized that the immense goodwill he has garnered from the people of Osun over the past two years positions him unequivocally for victory in the upcoming 2026 governorship election. His remarks, delivered in the nation's capital, Abuja, came immediately following his successful appearance before the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Gubernatorial Screening Committee on Thursday, marking a pivotal step in his re-election bid.
Adeleke's appearance before the screening panel was not merely a formality but a showcase of his preparedness and achievements. The committee, tasked with vetting aspirants for the PDP ticket, thoroughly examined his credentials, and according to its chairman, Hon. Adebayo Adepoju, the governor met every criterion with flying colors. "He satisfied all requirements and defended his credentials properly before the panel," Adepoju confirmed, underscoring the seamless process that cleared Adeleke to pursue the party's nomination without hindrance. This endorsement from within his own party serves as a strong foundation, reinforcing his narrative of inevitability in the race.
Since assuming office in November 2022, following a hard-fought victory that ousted the incumbent from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adeleke has positioned his administration's performance as the cornerstone of his re-election campaign. He boasts of unprecedented accomplishments in under two years, a feat he describes as transformative for Osun State. Infrastructure development, educational reforms, healthcare improvements, and economic initiatives have been rolled out at a pace that, in his view, surpasses expectations. "Within two years, it’s unprecedented what we have done in less than two years," Adeleke declared, his words laced with pride and assurance. He reminded journalists of his 2022 triumph, where he defeated a sitting governor despite formidable odds, and insisted that his current incumbency only amplifies his advantages. "If I can defeat an incumbent and now that I am the governor... Man, I’m so confident that nobody can beat us there," he proclaimed, his tone reflecting a deep-seated belief in his invincibility.
Dismissing any notions of vulnerability, particularly from the opposition APC, Adeleke waved aside concerns about federal might being deployed against him. He recalled the 2022 election, where his opponent enjoyed what he termed "overwhelming federal backing"—complete with resources, equipment, and institutional support from the central government. Yet, he emerged victorious, a testament, in his eyes, to the people's will overriding machinery. "There was federal might when I defeated the APC candidate in 2022. I saw the equipment, I saw the resources… that same federal might," he recounted, drawing parallels to potential challenges ahead. However, Adeleke expressed optimism that the current administration under President Bola Tinubu would refrain from such tactics. He argued that interfering in Osun's election, which precedes the next presidential poll, could tarnish Tinubu's legacy. "I don’t think President Tinubu will want to do anything that will mess up his administration because my election will come before the presidential election. So, I’m sure everything will be free and fair, and that is what we are talking about," the governor noted, appealing to a sense of national fairness.
What sets Adeleke apart, he claims, is his cross-partisan appeal—a popularity that transcends PDP lines and even infiltrates the APC stronghold in Osun. He cited anecdotal evidence of his warm reception at opposition events, where APC members allegedly embrace him enthusiastically. "Just take APC as a case study, anytime they are having a party or an event, I will go there and I will take over, they all love me," Adeleke said with a chuckle, painting a picture of a leader beloved beyond political divides. This narrative of universal admiration is central to his strategy, portraying him not as a partisan figure but as a governor for all Osun indigenes. His governance style—charismatic, accessible, and results-oriented—has, according to him, won over skeptics and solidified a broad base of support that no federal influence can erode.
This latest pronouncement aligns with Adeleke's consistent messaging in recent months. He has repeatedly assured PDP loyalists and the public that his administration's tangible projects and reforms will "speak for him" as the 2026 election approaches. From road constructions and bridge rehabilitations to agricultural empowerment programs and youth employment schemes, Adeleke's tenure has been marked by visible deliverables. These initiatives, he argues, are not mere political gimmicks but genuine efforts to uplift Osun from years of stagnation under previous administrations. By focusing on performance rather than rhetoric, the governor aims to let his record do the campaigning, a strategy that resonated in 2022 and, he believes, will repeat in 2026.
The political landscape in Osun remains dynamic, with the APC likely to field a strong contender to reclaim the state. Yet, Adeleke's confidence stems from a blend of historical precedent, current achievements, and perceived public sentiment. His defeat of an incumbent in 2022 was no small feat; it disrupted the APC's grip on power and signaled a shift toward PDP dominance in the Southwest region. Now, as the sitting governor, he enjoys the incumbency advantage—access to state resources, direct engagement with constituents, and the ability to inaugurate projects that directly impact daily lives. Critics may point to ongoing challenges such as economic pressures or internal PDP wrangling, but Adeleke counters with optimism, framing these as surmountable in the face of his popularity.
Looking ahead, the PDP primary will be the first real test, but with the screening committee's approval, Adeleke appears poised to secure the ticket unopposed or with minimal resistance. The general election, slated for 2026, will pit him against whoever emerges from the APC camp, potentially reigniting old rivalries. Adeleke's call for a free and fair process under President Tinubu adds a layer of national intrigue, as Osun's poll could serve as a barometer for the 2027 presidential contest.
In essence, Governor Adeleke's declaration is more than bravado; it is a calculated assertion rooted in electoral history, administrative successes, and cross-party allure. As Osun residents weigh their options, the governor's message is clear: his first term has laid an unbreakable foundation, and a second is all but assured. With the PDP machinery behind him and the people's goodwill as his shield, Adeleke marches toward 2026 with the conviction that victory is not just probable but inevitable. This chapter in Osun's political saga underscores the enduring power of performance in Nigerian governance, where incumbents who deliver can defy the odds time and again.
