Two gubernatorial elections are crucial in 2026 for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to win in the South-west. They are the Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial elections. The Ekiti gubernatorial election took place on Saturday 21st of June and the party recorded a landslide victory in the election which was seen to be hitch-free and adjudged as free, fair and credible by both the local and the international observers.
However, despite the free and fair nature of the election, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are still crying wolf. Anyway, like Nigerians do say in pidgin; “Nah dem sabi.” For, there’s absolutely no basis for their anti-democratic and unpatriotic postures as far as the conduct of that election is concerned.
Governor Oyebanji deserves a thumbs up for the APC’s electoral success in Ekiti, no doubt. For the party to have won in all the sixteen local governments and the 177 wards, unarguably speaks volumes of his outstanding performance in that state. This feat, is unprecedented in the history of gubernatorial contests, not only in Ekiti but in the federation as a whole. The party’s success, as has been unanimously opined, is a reflection of hardwork and selfless service that have been demonstrated so far by Governor Oyebanji. His great commitment to the ideal of good governance coupled with his humble nature which endeared him to the majority of the people – including this writer – earned him that victory. Why would any fair-minded person not give credit to whom it’s due then?
I haven’t been to Ekiti since governor Oyebanji assumed office. But as a news man, l cannot pretend not to know the development in that state. Ekiti people have had dividends of democracy dropped on their doorsteps to a great and commendable extent under Oyebanji’s leadership. This has earned him great respect amongst the people in that state and beyond.
To state that Governor Oyebanji has so far prioritized the welfare of the people of his state above self-interest is an indisputable truism. It’s a fact that’s obvious to everyone. Even the blind that cannot see can feel the development on ground. No doubt, governor Oyebanji represents a few of our leaders who believe that tax payers’ money must be utilized to benefit the people. No wonder he received massive support from Ekiti people.
Returning Oyebanji in Ekiti further reveals that he has inspired confidence in his people – with his stellar performance – to believe in him that he will do more if given the opportunity of another term. And like the governor also pledged in his victory speech; “the best has just begun” which means that the Ekiti people ‘ain’t seen nothing yet’; to echo the Canadian artist, Randy Bachman.
Our governors should take a cue from Governor Oyebanji who has adhered strictly to the four principles of good governance viz. accountability, transparency, rule of law and participation. Governor Oyebanji has held firmly to these four pillars upon which good governance is built and so, it isn’t surprising that he has been rewarded accordingly for his faithfulness to these principles.
What’s more? Our governors need to emulate governor Oyebanji. In their first tenure (since they’re never satisfied with one term) let them always have it at the back of their minds that another day when they will have to stand before the electorate for judgment is close by and they will be judged according to their performance just like governor Oyebanji was judged in Ekiti. Like the Yoruba would quip; “It’s the boundary that will show a lazy man’s farm.” Any self-serving leader who places self-interest above people’s interest should expect his waterloo on the next Election Day. There’s no doubt about that because it’s what you so that you will reap. You cannot sow bad and reap good and vice-versa. If you sell pebbles to people, you will collect stone as money; as a Yoruba aphorism says.
As mentioned in the opening paragraph of this piece, one out of the two states in the south-west which the All progressives Congress (APC) hopes to win, has been won; remaining the other one which is Osun. For the Osun APC sending Governor Adeleke packing is a desideratum. But to achieve that isn’t going to be a tea party. The party parades a credible candidate though, notwithstanding it needs to work harder if it must achieve its aim.
It also needs to close ranks and avoid politics of exclusion as everyone matters in politics. Since politics is a game of number, you cannot be pushing people away and expect to carry the day on Election Day. The time-tested truth, that “there’s no get away in politics but come nearer” still remains intact. This is the political philosophy of President Bola Tinubu which Osun APC has to embrace if it desires to smile immediately after the announcement of the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Conclusively, it’s my prayer and hope that the APC victory in Ekiti be replicated in Osun. Thankfully, the humble Ekiti state governor and the APC gubernatorial candidate in Osun have certain things in common. Apart from being namesakes, they both possess leadership charisma viz; integrity, competence, hard work and above all, good character. These attributes that worked for Governor Oyebanji in Ekiti will hopefully assist Oyebamiji of Osun to coast home to victory in the August 15th gubernatorial election. With more work and prayers, the fate of Osun will not be different from that of Ekiti by God’s special Grace-Amen
Vox populi, vox dei!
●Odepeju wrote in from Iragbiji, Osun State