OPINION
When Love Wins Over Power: The Adeleke Example of Gaining the Love of Osun People and Winning the Election
By Abisola Ariwodola,
In politics, power is often chased with money, structures, and force. But in Osun State, the story of the August 15, 2026 Governorship Election is telling a different tale, one where love, humility, and connection with the people triumphed.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord party has been declared winner of the election with 511,067 votes by INEC, in a contest that many observers say was less about political machinery and more about the bond between a leader and his people.
Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke returned as Osun State Governor with a vote difference win of 66,252 over his major contender, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji AMBO of All Progressives Congress APC party.
“The Dancing Governor” Who Stayed Close to the People: from Ede to Osogbo, Ilesa to Ijebujesa, Ikire to Iwo, Ile-Ife to Ila-Orangun, Adeleke’s appeal was simple: be accessible.
In the last four years, his administration leaned into welfare policies, payment of salaries and pensions, rehabilitation of schools and health centers, road projects across the 30 LGAs, and regular town hall engagements.
For many Osun residents, it was not just about projects. It was about a Governor who showed up, danced with them, spoke their language, and listened. That human touch earned him what political analysts now call “the love vote.”
Power Without Arrogance
While other candidates campaigned on structures, federal might and big money, the Adeleke campaign focused on continuity and grassroots presence. Market women, Artisans, Unions, Teachers, Religious leaders, and Youth groups repeatedly said the same thing: “He remembers us.”
When others even used campaign of force and violence which led to loss of lives, Adeleke condoled with the bereaved families of victims of political violence and kept urging the people to embrace peace and shun violence.
Even on election day, the atmosphere across polling units was calm. Voters spoke of voting not just for a party, but for a man they felt had treated them with dignity.
The Result: Love Reflected at the Ballot
When INEC announced the final result on Sunday, the margin 511,607 told the story. with 66,252 votes for Governor Adeleke over major contender reflected support that cut across LGAs, age groups, and class lines.
Since the announcement, jubilation can be seen, streets bubbling with joy, chieftains described it as “victory for the common man.” APC and ADC leaders among others, while contesting the outcome, also acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the election.
What the Adeleke Example Teaches:
Political scientists say the Osun 2026 election may become a case study in Nigerian politics:
1. Governance that touches daily life wins loyalty
2. Accessibility beats arrogance
3. When people feel seen, they will defend you at the ballot
4. Violence doesn’t give you, your expected desire
5. Aggressive in action and via communication does not bring success
6. Osun people reflects the ethos of Omoluabi
7. Love in Unity Triumphs
8. When you Family loves you, they support you 100percent, you achieve success with ease.
9. Walk with the people and not the crowd
As Governor Adeleke prepares for his second term, the message from Osun people is clear: they voted for policies, but more importantly, they voted for love.
“In Osun, power did not defeat the people. Love did,” said a voter in Osogbo after the result was announced.
#OsunDecides2026 #Adeleke #PDP #WhenLoveWins #OsunElection #PeoplesGovernor