The August 2026 date set for the governorship election in Osun State now feels only a few weeks away, not months. With political actors already jockeying for advantage, it is clear that the maneuvers will intensify in the coming months. What is at stake is enormous, and the direction the state chooses will shape its prospects for years to come.
At present, Osun is witnessing the familiar Nigerian pattern of mistaking internal democracy for factional battles, with little ideological clarity or coherent policy direction on display. Parties appear more focused on internal turf wars than on offering solutions. This does not bode well for a state that urgently needs fresh thinking and purposeful leadership.
Osun’s economy is not in a comfortable place. The state requires bold intervention, especially in boosting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and redirecting spending toward reviving physical and social infrastructure. Yet too much emphasis continues to be placed on prestige projects, while critical infrastructure such as rural roads essential for transitioning from subsistence to commercial agriculture remains neglected.
The established political formations have so far failed to offer anything new or inspiring. Their rhetoric remains predictable, shallow, and disconnected from the realities of ordinary people. What is on display is the same tired cycle of empty promises without credible pathways for implementation.
Amid this landscape, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) appears to present what could become a viable and credible alternative. But this window of opportunity comes with a responsibility. After concluding its internal processes and chosen a standard-bearer, the party must articulate a distinctly pro-people agenda that addresses the pressing needs of Osun citizens.
The ADC must focus on job creation, revitalising the health and education sectors, and building a modern agricultural value chain. These are the issues capable of capturing the imagination of voters and earning their trust. In essence, the party must position itself as the driving force of a broad, democratic, people-centered coalition – something Osun desperately needs.
Beyond policy proposals, the state requires a reorientation of governance priorities. Any serious contender must commit to transparency, fiscal discipline, and an overhaul of revenue administration. The long-standing problem of weak local governance must also be confronted, especially as Osun continues to grapple with the implications of local government autonomy and the mismanagement of council resources in past administrations.
Equally important is the need for inclusive governance. Osun’s youth population, women, rural dwellers, and persons with disabilities remain largely on the margins of political decision-making. A candidate or party that meaningfully integrates these groups into policy development, not just campaign optics, will gain moral and political credibility.
The future of Osun also depends on reversing the quiet exodus of its skilled workforce. Many young professionals are leaving the state due to limited economic opportunities. A forward-looking administration must address this brain drain through targeted investments in technology, enterprise development and vocational skills.
Ultimately, Osun requires revitalisation – economically, politically and socially. The coming election provides an opportunity to reset the state’s trajectory, but only if the actors involved rise above old habits. The people of Osun deserve more than recycled rhetoric; they deserve leadership anchored in vision, competence, and integrity.
A new political momentum is both necessary and possible. Whether the state seizes this moment will determine if Osun can finally unlock its potential and secure a future of growth for its citizens.
