Osun

‘Elections Aren’t Won By Wishes’ — Baderinwa Blasts Oyebamiji’s ‘Penalty With No Goalkeeper’ Comment

ByHafsoh Isiaq

PublishedJanuary 13, 2026

A former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Osun State, Adelani Baderinwa, has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, over his recent claim that the party has no competitor ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

Oyebamiji had, during a weekend gathering, likened the forthcoming election to a “penalty with no goalkeeper,” declaring, “In the coming election, God has given us a penalty, and they have a goalpost without a goalkeeper.”

The remark has since sparked backlash from political observers and opposition figures.

Reacting in a strongly worded statement, Baderinwa expressed disappointment, questioning the wisdom and moral grounding of the APC candidate.

“I thought Asiwaju Muniru Bola Oyebamiji was said to be wise and God-fearing. No human being with wisdom and fear of God will say the kind of thing he was quoted to have said recently,” he wrote.

Baderinwa recalled Oyebamiji’s political background, noting that the APC flagbearer previously served as an aide to former governor Gboyega Oyetola, whose administration, he said, became “arrogant with power.”

According to him, slogans such as “agbele mo”—loosely translated as “we will not leave power again”—became common within government circles before the administration was voted out of office.

Drawing lessons from Osun’s political history, the ADC chieftain warned against overconfidence, citing past electoral upsets. “There was a candidate who was awaiting declaration but died in anticipation of victory. There was also a governor-elect already rehearsing for swearing-in whose victory was aborted, while his opponent was sworn in instead.”

He further argued that Oyebamiji lacks the political depth to make such sweeping claims, stressing that the APC candidate has never contested an election before.

“In the count of real political experience, he doesn’t have a chance. Aside from appointments, this is his first shot at elective office. He has never even campaigned to be a councillor,” he said.

Baderinwa suggested that Oyebamiji’s confidence may stem from his party’s control at the federal level, alleging plans to deploy state machinery for electoral advantage.

“Maybe he feels thrilled because he belongs to the ruling party, preparing to rig elections through manipulation, massive spending, and the use of federal influence on INEC, security, and other agencies,” he alleged.

He also dismissed the APC’s electoral prospects in Osun, arguing that the four-year tenure of former governor Oyetola left little impact on the electorate.

“Oyebamiji’s party does not enjoy favour with the people of Osun because the four years spent by his boss count next to nothing. There are no achievements to market,” he said.

Concluding, Baderinwa warned that elections are not won by wishful thinking.

“He must think his chi is superior to that of all other Osun citizens. But election is beyond foolish wishes. Horses are not wishes, and Oyebamiji’s beggar cannot ride this one,” he stated.

Hafsoh Isiaq

Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.