By James Bamgbose
It is important to swiftly and firmly address the misconception of one Abdullahi Tadese, in his opinion article titled “Osun 2026: The Scarcity of Truth in a Nature Full of Lies”. In that piece, Tadese displayed an unfortunate detachment from political reality and exposed himself as someone trapped in a delusive world of his own creation.
To boldly assert that a Governor elected by over 400,000 Osun indigenes and residents “danced his way to power” is not only dumbfounding, it is a disrespectful insult to the good people of Osun State who, despite 12 years of APC’s oppressive misrule, found hope and renewed strength in the candidacy of Senator Ademola Adeleke. This shameful statement trivializes the sweat, effort, and resilience of citizens who chose progress over propaganda.
Let it be made clear, no one “dances” his way into power, especially political power. Political power, in a democratic setting, is earned through vision, connection with the people, consistency in character, and a track record of humanity. If Tadese had ever contested a serious election, he would understand the rigour of grassroots politicking, the sleepless nights, and the genuine concern for people that it takes to win the hearts of voters
Governor Ademola Adeleke is not just a leader. He is a phenomenon whose emergence broke the chains of political elitism in Osun. In less than three years, his administration has outperformed every predecessor in the history of Osun State when it comes to delivering on campaign promises, ensuring inclusive governance, driving economic growth, and stabilizing security.
When Governor Adeleke assumed office in w
2022, he inherited a state in tatters, Civil servants were in despair, demoralized by 12 years of mistreatment; Pensioners were dying in silence, abandoned by an APC government that looted their future; Primary healthcare centres (PHCs) were comatose—funds meant for revitalization had been siphoned without a trace; Osun’s infrastructural landscape was littered with abandoned projects.
But look at Osun today. In under three years, a breath of fresh air has swept through the land. The governor has executed projects across the 30 local governments and area council and ensures the state’s economy benefits directly through local content engagement. Youths are being employed, local artisans are thriving, and businesses are booming again as a result of its homegrown infrastructure policy.
What Abdullahi Tadese conveniently ignores is the true meaning of economic growth and governance. Perhaps he needs a crash course on how engaging local hands in public projects stimulates the economy. Unlike the APC era where Osun resources were outsourced to cronies in Lagos, Governor Adeleke is building Osun for Osun by Osun.
And then there’s Tadese’s hypocrisy, while he attempts to belittle Governor Adeleke’s legitimate electoral triumph, he is quietly lobbying his party to microzone the APC ticket to favour his preferred candidate, clearly aware that without manipulation, they stand no chance. If dancing is all it takes, then he might as well ask his own anointed aspirant to hit the dance floor. Let’s see how far that gets him.
The truth is glaring, no APC candidate from the West, Central, or East can stand against Governor Ademola Adeleke in a free and fair election. Osun people have spoken in 2022, and their message is clear. They will stand by their message in 2026 and reject cruelty, deception, and rudderless governance of the APC again. They are not going back.
So, to Abdullahi Tadese, a word of advice, snap out of your hallucinations. The people now own their democracy. Imole is working. Osun is moving forward—and nothing, not even the lies of a frustrated opposition mouthpiece, can stop the light.
• James Bamgbose writes from Ward 4, Igbajo, Boluwaduro Local Government, Osun State. He can be reached via [email protected]
