The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State has strongly criticised the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, over his assertion that the August 8, 2026 governorship election would be a “penalty without a goalkeeper.”
In a statement on Monday, the ADC described the remark as a clear display of political arrogance and contempt for the electorate, insisting that elections are neither football drills nor personal entitlement but serious democratic exercises driven by the will of the people.
The party argued that history, whether in politics or sports, has repeatedly shown that assumed victories often end in disappointment, stressing that confidence not rooted in popular acceptance usually collapses on election day.
Using football analogies, the ADC’s Media and Publicity Directorate Chairman, Oluwaseun Abosede, noted that even the best players have missed penalties and open goals, adding that no contest is guaranteed simply because it appears easy on paper.
”When AMBO boasts that he will win Osun by August 8 next year because it will be a penalty without a goalkeeper, he ignores the lessons of history. An idea whose time has not come can never materialise, no matter how loudly it is proclaimed.”
The opposition party recalled the political experience of former governor Gboyega Oyetola, whom it said inherited an extensive political structure, widespread goodwill and overwhelming institutional control, yet still failed to retain power in Osun State.
It further alleged that AMBO did not emerge through a free and competitive primary election within the APC, claiming that internal party machinations and godfatherism played a decisive role in his emergence as candidate.
The ADC maintained that the Osun governorship race would not be decided by bravado, political boasting or perceived dominance, but by the collective decision of voters who are now more conscious, discerning and determined to demand accountable leadership.
“Football history teaches us that even open goals can be missed and great players can fail at the decisive moment. Oyetola inherited political power, structure and goodwill, yet he still lost everything.
“This election will not be won by arrogance, godfatherism or empty confidence. The people of Osun will vote carefully, consciously and courageously.
“The so-called penalty without a goalkeeper will become another historic miss. History is never on the side of arrogance; it is always on the side of the people,” the statement reads in part.
According to the party, its governorship candidate, Dr. Najeem Salaam, represents a credible alternative capable of galvanising popular support and delivering a political upset that would surprise both Osun State and the wider Nigerian polity.
The statement called on residents of the state to reject arrogance and empty slogans, urging them to vote wisely and deliberately in the coming election.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
