Osun 2026: Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Dwindling Political Capital.

Femi Adesola

In the last six months, Governor Ademola Adeleke has found himself navigating a complex maze of political turbulence that now threatens to erode the capital that brought him to power in 2022. The honeymoon period is over, and the governor is gradually confronting the difference between winning an election and sustaining effective governance amidst political reality and competing political interests.

Governor Adeleke, a man with natural charisma and grassroots appeal, is beginning to learn that leadership goes beyond dancing on podiums or riding on populist sentiments. At its core, governance is about balancing interests, managing expectations, and delivering on promises, particularly when the political terrain is unforgiving and laced with minefields.

One of the most pressing challenges facing Governor Adeleke is his inability to manage the various interests within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State. From the Atunto group to powerful figures like Peter Power, Jumokol, Araaj, Hon. Wole Oke, Ero Arike, and more recently, Senators Fadahunsi and Ajagunla had resigned from the PDP, the governor, has struggled to keep the house united.

While it is unrealistic to expect a leader to satisfy all interests, the lack of basic political accommodation and human management has led to notable defections, many of which have tilted toward the APC. The defection of these influential individuals has diminished the governor’s reach and capacity to consolidate power ahead of the 2026 election.

Another political landmine that was set before him is the lingering local government crisis, which has persisted since January. With a legal impasse still unresolved, the federal government has withheld funds meant for local governments in Osun State. This has placed an enormous financial strain on the state government, forcing it to divert capital project funds to pay local government workers’ salaries.

The ripple effect is telling. Infrastructural development has slowed down significantly. Plans to recruit more teachers and health workers have stalled. And most critically, the governor’s political hold on the grassroots, the traditional power base of any serious politician, has weakened. With reduced presence and impact at the local level, the PDP’s influence is steadily declining.

As if that is not not enough, Governor Adeleke further complicated his political trajectory by allowing the rumour of allegedly lobbying for a defection to the APC to becloud his acttivities. Though the move has crumbled, the mere rumour of such a plan became a distraction. Public discourse shifted from his achievements to his political manoeuvring.

This period of uncertainty caused a temporary but significant disconnect between the governor and the electorate. The masses, who once saw Adeleke as a folk hero, began to question his political loyalty and long-term commitment to the people. It was a miscalculation that weakened his public perception and diluted the trust he had painstakingly gained.

Despite these challenges, all hope is not lost for Governor Adeleke. He remains a beloved figure among many ordinary citizens, particularly those outside the intense partisan circles. However, to regain his footing, he must return to the basics of political leadership.

He needs to Re-engage the grassroot through people-centered policies and regular community visits. Conduct project supervision and commissioning of completed projects to shift public attention back to governance and restore confidence within the party, Improves social intervention especially to the youth and downtrodden to reconnect with the people.

If Governor Adeleke is serious about seeking a second term in 2026 under PDP, he must understand that political capital is not static. It is built and rebuilt through consistent performance, strategic alliances, contniuius engagement and emotional connection with the people.