With 14 candidates on the ballot, security concerns mounting, and federal leverage looming, Governor Ademola Adeleke relies on star power, youth appeal and ground mobilisation ahead of the August 15 poll.
Afrobeats megastar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has once again thrown his full weight behind his uncle, actively campaigning alongside Governor Ademola Adeleke as he seeks a second term in office on August 15.
Davido’s impact on the campaign can hardly be overstated. His reinforced presence in Osun has generated significant momentum, particularly among youth voters and celebrities including Carter Efe, alongside members of Davido’s 30BG crew, including Israel DMW and Sina Rambo.
However, critical questions remain as to whether this star-powered popularity will translate into tangible votes at the polling units.
This election takes place in a landscape vastly different from 2022 where Davido actively drove his uncle’s campaign by mobilizing young voters through rallies and street marches, while using his massive social media reach to boost voter turnout, question electoral processes, and protect the PDP’s victory.
There are now 14 candidates on the ballot, with the contest increasingly centered on three key figures: Governor Adeleke running under the Accord Party, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Over 2.3 million registered voters are expected to decide the outcome.
Governor Adeleke Defends Dancing Move Amid Criticism
Adeleke’s signature dancing remains a core part of his political brand, though critics continue to leverage it against him.
In response, Adeleke maintains that voters should evaluate his administration on performance rather than his dance moves.
Davido has similarly defended his uncle, noting that critics previously underestimated him for the exact same reason before his 2022 victory.
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Recently, political barbs have sharpened. An aide to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma publicly advised Davido to prepare to hire his uncle as a dancer in his music band should Adeleke lose the election.
The aide later clarified that the statement reflected his personal opinion rather than an official stance of Governor Uzodimma or the Imo State Government.
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo also criticised Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for his public dancing, claiming it causes him to miss official duties and meetings in Abuja.
Governor Adeleke dismissed these claims, asserting that dancing is a personal expression and family tradition that does not hinder his official responsibilities.
Federal Tensions & Accounts Freeze
High-stakes political drama has further heightened tensions. Despite repeatedly endorsing President Bola Tinubu for 2027, Adeleke directly addressed the President at a recent campaign rally regarding alleged political violence, asking: “We have endorsed you, why are they still killing us?”
Adding to the pre-election friction, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) obtained a court order freezing Osun State Government accounts just days before the poll. Adeleke strongly condemned the action.
President Tinubu later stated he was embarrassed by the timing and directed the EFCC to return to court to vacate the order, emphasising that federal agencies must not create the perception of political interference.
Security Concerns & Mounting Violence
A comprehensive report by the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) reveals that at least 73 election-related violent incidents occurred across Osun State between October 2025 and July 2026, resulting in an estimated 12 to 29 deaths.
Political actors, affiliated thugs, and criminal networks have utilized violence as a strategic mechanism to suppress voter turnout.
Election observer group, Yiaga Africa, also identified possible vote buying, violence, technological failures and the neutrality of security agencies as major issues that could affect the credibility of the election.
INEC says 1,906,390 PVCs, representing 81.5% of Osun’s 2,339,233 registered voters, have been collected ahead of Saturday’s governorship election. A total of 432,843 PVCs (18.5%) remain uncollected and have been deposited with the CBN.
Despite INEC figure, Security questions continue to shadow the upcoming election. In late July an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) PVC collection center in Osun was attacked by armed assailants, with voter cards reportedly stolen.
INEC assured the public that stolen cards would be replaced and confirmed that 4,427 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines, including 664 backup units are deployed to safeguard the process.
Meanwhile, counterclaims have emerged from APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji’s camp. Former allies turned political opponents have alleged intimidation of their supporters and the release of suspected thugs loyal to Adeleke.
Controversy also erupted over a viral video allegedly showing Senator Fadahunsi making threatening remarks against Accord Party supporters. Fadahunsi claimed the video was edited out of context, but police subsequently summoned and questioned him to clarify his statements and defuse mounting tension.
Political Realignments ahead of Election
Meanwhile, APC’s Oyebamiji is relying on party structure and support from powerful political figures, while ADC’s Najeem Salaam benefits from the political machinery linked to former governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Political realignments continue to reshape the race. APGA candidate Adesina Adeyemi-Doro recently stepped down to endorse APC’s Oyebamiji.
Meanwhile, Allied Peoples Movement candidate Adebayo Simon Adewale, alongside key local structures from his previous Party the PDP and prominent stakeholders, including a factional governorship candidate not recognized by INEC, have collapsed their machinery in support of Adeleke.
Analyzing Adeleke’s prospects following his transition from the PDP to the Accord Party, a professor of political Science at Bayero University Kano, Professor Kamilu Sani Fage told Pinnacle Daily that the outcome should ultimately depend on governance performance and voters’ ability to cast ballots freely.
Prof. Fage downplayed the decisive impact of celebrity backing, warning that highly competitive off-cycle elections involve deep financial resources and state power.
He observed that state authorities struggle to match federal leverage, making massive voter turnout essential for Adeleke’s victory.
“Unless there is a massive turnout of the electorate, that is when the governor will have a high chance. But if there is a low turnout, I don’t think he will be able to make that impact,” Prof. Fage stated.
Ultimately, celebrity influence and signature dance steps enhance visibility and youth appeal, but election outcomes rest on converting popularity and ground structures into votes. As August 15 approaches, Osun voters face a final question: Will the Dancing Governor dance his way back into Government House, or will the opposition change the rhythm?
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.