There are elections that produce a winner. And there are elections that produce a message.

The 2026 Osun governorship election has produced both.

Governor Ademola Adeleke has won a second term, defeating the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. But beyond the numbers is a much bigger lesson for Nigeria:

The people can defeat political power when they decide that their votes belong to them.

This was not an ordinary contest. Adeleke faced a powerful political environment, intense opposition and a campaign in which allegations of intimidation, vote-buying and the use of federal institutions became major talking points.

Yet when the votes were counted, the people spoke.

That is democracy.

POWER DOES NOT OWN THE PEOPLE

Nigeria has become accustomed to the language of political structures, godfathers, governors, federal might and powerful political blocs.

All these things matter.

But they are not the voters.

The voter remains the owner of the democratic mandate.

Osun has demonstrated that a candidate can face powerful opponents and political uncertainty and still win when citizens decide they want that candidate to continue.

That should concern every political party preparing for 2027.

Nobody should assume the presidency automatically delivers a state. Nobody should assume governors can transfer their influence from one state to another. Nobody should assume godfathers can command millions of voters as personal property.

And nobody should conclude that 2027 already belongs to any party.

REMEMBER “EMI LOKAN”

There is an interesting historical irony.

President Bola Tinubu understands the struggle against political exclusion. When he declared “Emi Lokan” — “It is my turn” during the 2022 APC presidential contest, he was making a statement after years of political battles and competition within his own party.

He eventually prevailed.

The events surrounding the 2023 election’ – including the naira redesign and cash shortages also demonstrated how unpredictable Nigerian politics can become.

Today, political relationships and circumstances have changed again.

That is Nigerian politics.

Nothing is permanent except the people’s right to choose.

ADELEKE: NOW CHANGE THE DANCE

Governor Adeleke has received something many politicians spend their careers seeking: a second mandate without the burden of seeking a third term.

Now the dancing must change.

The first dance was about sustaining the office.

The next dance must be about leaving a legacy.

The people stood with you. They voted for you. Now make them feel that their decision was worthwhile.

Do even more.

Build institutions, not just projects. Strengthen education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, jobs, technology and local economies. Leave behind systems and achievements so strong that your successor will be challenged by the people to maintain or exceed them.

Your family also has considerable resources and influence. Your cousin, Davido, has demonstrated his willingness to support Osun and its people.

Let that influence become a force for lasting empowerment.

Use these remaining years not simply to make people celebrate you, but to make them say:

“We were right to stand with him.”

Because everyone in government is there because the people put them there.

TO NIGERIA’S POLITICAL PARTIES

Osun should be studied carefully.

Political parties can destroy their own electoral chances through internal quarrels, factionalism, personal interests and the rejection of people who may actually connect with voters.

That is a dangerous strategy for 2027.

Choose candidates because they can win the confidence of Local Wards, Constituencies, States and Nationally and not simply because they satisfy a faction, godfather or internal political calculation.

INEC says Nigeria currently has more than 90,000,000 millions registered voters, while its 2027 timetable set the Presidential and National Assembly elections for 16th January 2027 and the Governorship and State Assembly elections for 6 February 2027.

There is therefore no room for complacency.

The candidate matters.
The voter matters more.

Parties must get their houses in order.

Resolve internal crises. Choose credible candidates. Stop pushing away people who can genuinely connect with voters. Build trust and present solutions.

And remember: the Nigerian voter is not a political subject.

The voter is sovereign.

The international community is also watching Nigeria’s democratic development. Political actors should understand that electoral abuse, intimidation, violence and violations of citizens’ rights can have consequences beyond the ballot box.

2027 IS NOT WON YET

Osun does not prove that Accord will win Nigeria in 2027.

Nor does it prove that APC, PDP, ADC, SDP, PRP, AAC, APM, NDC or any other party will lose.

It proves something much more important:

Nothing is conclusive until Nigerians vote.

The parties have not won.
The candidates have not won.
The governors have not won.
The presidency has not won.

The Nigerian people will decide.

When millions of Nigerians eventually go to the polls, every political calculation will meet its ultimate test.

Not the godfather.
Not the governor.
Not the political billionaire.
Not the presidency.

THE PEOPLE.

Osun 2026 has given Nigeria a warning – and perhaps an opportunity.

To politicians: never underestimate the voter.

To Governor Adeleke: you have won the mandate; now win the legacy.

And to every Nigerian:

Your vote is your voice. Protect it. Use it. And never surrender it.

President Tinubu congratolary message to Governor Adeleke

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ZrreXrYFo/

Mentoring Cmdt Alistair
www.nidmecorp.com