Osun election: When the people become the strength

By Timi Olubiyi

The outcome of the 2026 Osun state governorship election is more than a political victory. It is a powerful lesson in self-belief, perseverance, resilience, performance, human relationships and the enduring value of family and community support. On August 15, 2026, Osun voters went to the polls in a closely watched election. At the end of the collation process in Osogbo, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the incumbent governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, the winner with 511,067 votes, defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes. Adeleke won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas.

But beyond the numbers lies a more profound story. It is the story of a man who refused to allow political uncertainty, party difficulties, opposition pressure or the apparent disadvantage of contesting under a less dominant political platform to define his destiny. The victory of the incumbent governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is particularly significant because his journey was not without political turbulence and uncertainty.

Having emerged from a troubled political environment within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), faced pressure from the All-Progressives Congress (APC), and ultimately contested under the Accord Party, a platform with comparatively less political popularity and structure, he nevertheless secured victory. His experience demonstrates that while political platforms can provide visibility and machinery, they do not necessarily determine the final outcome; sometimes, the greatest platform is the people themselves. When people have experienced your leadership, felt your impact and believe that your success is connected to their own interests, they can become more powerful than any political structure. This is a lesson that applies not only to politics but also to business, academia, entrepreneurship, professional life and personal development.

There will be moments when circumstances appear to be against us, when institutions become uncomfortable, when relationships change, when established platforms no longer provide the support they once did, and when the easier option appears to be surrender. But the Osun experience reminds us that self-belief is the ability to continue believing in your capacity even when external validation becomes uncertain. Perseverance means continuing to move forward when the road becomes difficult, while resilience means having the courage to adapt without abandoning your purpose.

The story also reinforces the importance of performance. Leadership is ultimately judged not only by speeches, promises or political slogans but by what people can see, touch and experience. Roads constructed, streets illuminated, schools improved, healthcare strengthened, workers supported, communities developed, and opportunities created become tangible evidence of governance.

Indeed, there was something deeply symbolic about citizens remaining around the INEC environment in Osogbo during the collation of results, determined to protect the integrity of their votes. They stayed through the night, occupying the roads and streets while waiting for the process to reach its conclusion. In a remarkable irony, some of the same people who stood through the night were protected from complete darkness by streetlights and moved on roads that Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke has done. What if he had not put these things in place?

Meaning, beyond election, the things a leader builds today may become useful to protect him and that which the people will remember him for. This is why leaders should focus less on trying to persuade everyone to believe in them and more on consistently creating value that people can experience. Value creates trust, trust creates relationships, and relationships can become powerful social capital when difficult moments arrive.

When people believe that you understand them, respect them and care about their interests, they may stand with you even when the circumstances are uncomfortable. Perhaps one of the most important lessons is that loyalty should not be demanded; it should be earned through consistent service, integrity, empathy and performance. People remember how you made them feel, but they also remember what you did for them. The election therefore provides an important message to anyone facing adversity: never allow a difficult season to convince you that your journey has ended.

A rejected paper does not mean the end of an academic career; a failed business does not mean the end of an entrepreneurial dream; losing an opportunity does not mean that opportunities will never come again; and political turbulence does not necessarily mean political extinction. Sometimes, the greatest victories emerge after the most uncomfortable transitions. Keep that in mind and good luck!

Dr Timi Olubiyi can be reached at drtimiolubiyi@gmail.com