Osun 2026: Open letter to President Tinubu, by Ismail Omipidan

Dear President Bola Tinubu, I pray this message meets you well. I bring you warm greetings on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of Osun indigenes and residents who are disappointed with the way and manner Governor Ademola Adeleke has run the state so far.

Many of us, myself included, are even more saddened by the deafening silence of his elder brother, Dr. Deji Adeleke, who once assured us that he would take the Governor to task if he failed to govern Osun well. Unfortunately, the man has maintained silence in the face of growing concerns over the poor state of governance in Osun State.

Make no mistake, Your Excellency, this open letter is not a reaction to their recent visit to you. Far from it. Their visit may have been motivated by various interests: Dr. Deji Adeleke’s business concerns, issues surrounding Osun local government allocations, political realignment, or perhaps even all of these issues. Regardless of the true purpose of that meeting, I am certain that if the matter of defection was not raised then, it will be brought to your attention anytime soon. This issue, Your Excellency, is the reason for this letter.

Yes, Mr. President, I understand that every political party in government seeks to consolidate power. And from all indications, except if Allah does not will it, nothing and no one can stand in the way of your re-election. I pray that you won’t offend the spirit of anyone who is strong enough to disrupt the course of events. This is the crux of my letter.

Your Excellency, I am aware that over the past year, Governor Ademola Adeleke has been lobbying to meet with you over two possibilities: either to defect to the APC or to remain in the PDP, but work for your re-election, and, in return, receive your support to retain his seat for another four years.

Mr. President, if Governor Adeleke is doing well, some of us would not hesitate to plead that he be given a soft landing. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. The substandard roads being constructed under his administration will not make some of us in good conscience to support his re-election. Attached is the picture of the Alagba Area, Ika road, Ejigbo that was constructed barely three months ago. In Ido-Osun, an entire road, constructed by the government was washed away by rain. The road from Akoda junction to Ede, was badly constructed. Vehicles dance at will on that road after expending billions to fix the same road. I can go on and on. But let me stop here for now.

The point I am trying to make, Mr. President, is that Governor Ademola Adeleke does not deserve a second term. Giving him another opportunity would only set Osun further back. Offering him an automatic ticket under the APC, if he eventually defects to the party, would not only be ill-advised, it would likely trigger significant backlash and discontent within the party. I pray for this not to happen, if it does, it would inadvertently provide an easy path for the disintegration of APC in Osun.

The majority of APC members who have kept the party alive since 2022 and who currently oppose Governor Adeleke are already laying the groundwork to resist and oust him. If given the APC platform, these party loyalists would likely form team up with the Aregbesola faction, as well as with disgruntled PDP members who are disillusioned with the Adeleke political dynasty, to defeat him at the polls.

It is also worth noting that many present APC stalwarts defected from the PDP due to frustrations with the Adelekes. These individuals won’t be happy to see Adeleke defect to the APC, and would either leave the party or play a ‘siddon look approach’ rather than campaign for a man they believe has little to offer beyond his well-known dance craft. If anything, the past three years have only further exposed Governor Adeleke’s deficiencies in character, content, and capacity.

When in 2011, all the South-West states delivered their states to the then President Jonathan, Aregbesola showed capacity and made Osun the only South-West state that delivered Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who was the presidential candidate of the ACN at the time. Those who made that feat possible are still alive.

For me, APC still looks good in Osun without the Adelekes. But any slip from Mr. President at this point in time could be costly, as what seems like a golden opportunity could elude the party if care is not taken.

Reward and motivation are essential ingredients for energising party supporters and loyalists to remain committed and work even harder for the party’s success. Having kept the party alive for three solid years, a feat that is unprecedented in the history of Osun, it is only fair to let committed party members and loyalists have their say and way in this matter of Osun 2026. Their voices must be heard and their choices respected. They have earned not just a seat at the table, but the right to decide and help shape the party’s direction in the state.

Accept the assurances of my highest regards.

Ismail Omipidan is a journalist, an author and a public affairs analyst.