National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dayo Israel, has identified three key personalities he believes shaped the outcome of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
Israel made the remarks on Sunday while reflecting on the election won by Governor Ademola Adeleke, who secured a second term after defeating APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji.
According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Adeleke and musician David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, emerged as the defining figures in the contest, each playing a unique role in influencing the political atmosphere before and during the election.
While acknowledging the disappointment within the APC following the result, Israel said the outcome should encourage honest reflection within the party ahead of the 2027 general election.
He described Tinubu as a major figure in the election, arguing that the President allowed the people of Osun to freely determine the outcome without deploying federal influence in favour of the ruling party.
‘The first is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
‘President Tinubu deserves commendation for allowing the people of Osun to make their choice without turning the enormous powers of the Presidency into partisan weapons. A President determined to capture Osun at all costs had many levers available to him. State institutions could have been weaponised, security forces could have overwhelmed the atmosphere, and federal might could have been deployed in a manner that distorted the contest.
‘That did not happen.’
Israel also said Adeleke’s grassroots appeal remained a significant factor in the election, noting that many political observers failed to appreciate the strength of the governor’s connection with ordinary voters.
‘The second defining figure is Governor Ademola Adeleke.
‘For years, some members of the political elite have reduced Governor Adeleke to his dancing. That assessment has always underestimated both the man and the nature of Osun politics.
‘Governor Adeleke’s dancing was never a weakness. It was a political language. It humanised him, made him accessible, and created emotional proximity with ordinary voters. His singing, dancing, accessibility and public worship built a bond that many technocratic analyses failed to capture.’
Israel further singled out Davido for his active involvement in the election campaign, saying the singer’s influence extended beyond entertainment into political mobilisation.
‘The third defining figure is David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.
‘Davido was not on the ballot, but his presence was impossible to ignore. His influence, reach and emotional connection with young people became political capital in this election. He deployed his platform, visibility and personal commitment in support of Governor Adeleke in a manner that energised supporters and kept attention on the campaign.
‘Whether one agrees with his politics or not, Davido demonstrated the growing role of cultural figures in electoral contests. In today’s political environment, influence is no longer confined to politicians alone.’
Tribune Online reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke winner of the election after polling 511,067 votes, ahead of Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes.
‘That, Ademola Adeleke of Accord Party, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared winner and is returned elected, duly signed by me,’ declared Professor Ogunwole.