Backlash Trails Oyintiloye’s Comments on 2026 Osun Governorship Race
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Mixed reactions have continued to trail comments by Osun All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, who predicted that the party would replicate its recent governorship victory in Ekiti State during the 2026 Osun governorship election.
The remarks, which gained traction on social media, sparked criticism from many Nigerians who disagreed with the comparison between the political realities of Ekiti and Osun states.
Several social media users argued that Oyintiloye’s prediction was out of touch with the current political mood in Osun, insisting that the state’s electoral dynamics are distinct from those of its neighbouring state.
According to some commenters, “Osun and Ekiti are two different states with different political realities. What happened in Ekiti cannot automatically happen in Osun.”
Others maintained that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration still enjoys significant public support across the state, making any prediction of an APC victory premature.
A social media user described Oyintiloye’s statement as “mere political wishful thinking,” while another advised the APC leader to “focus on rebuilding confidence in his party rather than making bold electoral forecasts.”
Some respondents also recalled the APC’s defeat in the 2022 governorship election, arguing that the party still has considerable work to do before it can regain the trust of Osun voters.
“The APC should first convince the people why it deserves another chance before talking about winning elections,” another commenter stated.
The reactions highlighted widespread scepticism over attempts to draw parallels between electoral outcomes in Ekiti and Osun. Many contributors noted that elections are ultimately determined by local factors, including the performance and credibility of candidates, public confidence and prevailing political realities within each state.
Political observers say the growing debate reflects increasing public interest in the 2026 governorship contest as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the election.