Osun Election: Tinubu May Not Win Presidential Election If…, Says Ohanaeze Ndigbo
Onyeka Nnabu
The apex Igbo Socio-Cultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to draw critical lessons from the outcome of the Osun State Governorship Election and strengthen his 2027 re-election strategy around measurable achievements, credible performers and leaders with proven records of service.
In a statement issued by the Deputy President General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the apex body urged President Tinubu not to depend exclusively on the political assurances of the APC governors forum, as the Nigerian electorate were becoming increasingly conscious, demanding accountability, visible development and leadership that directly improves the lives of citizens.
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He said that the Osun election outcome serves as a significant warning signal to all political actors, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), that electoral victory in 2027 would depend largely on achievements that citizens can see, feel and appreciate.
Ohanaeze therefore advised President Tinubu to build a stronger national campaign around high-performing individuals whose achievements represent the practical success stories of his administration.
The body specifically recognised the remarkable efforts of the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, whose commitment to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of critical federal highways has created a significant impact across the Southeast region.
According to Isiguzoro: “following the declaration of the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke as winner of the Osun Governorship Election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ohanaeze Ndigbo observes that the election has once again demonstrated a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s democratic landscape”.
“The message from Osun is unmistakable: performance will shape the future of Nigerian politics, and only leaders with demonstrable achievements will secure the confidence of the electorate in 2027”.
“The Nigerian electorate is becoming increasingly conscious, demanding accountability, visible development and leadership that directly improves the lives of citizens. The era when elections could be determined solely by political structures, financial inducements or party influence is gradually giving way to a new reality where performance and public confidence remain the strongest electoral assets”.
“The performance of the APC structure in Osun State should encourage deeper reflection within the party, particularly on the need to strengthen grassroots engagement, reward competence and promote leaders whose records can independently inspire voter confidence”.
“The organisation therefore advises President Tinubu not to depend exclusively on political assurances from party structures but to build a stronger national campaign around high-performing individuals whose achievements represent the practical success stories of his administration”.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo specifically recognises the remarkable efforts of the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, whose commitment to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of critical federal highways has created a significant impact across the Southeast region”.
The body maintained that the ongoing transformation of federal roads in the Southeast represents one of the most visible federal interventions in the region in decades, providing renewed economic opportunities, improving connectivity and addressing long-standing infrastructural challenges.
“These projects have strengthened the confidence of many Nigerians, particularly within the Southeast, that the Federal Government is paying attention to their developmental needs”.
“We insist that Ndigbo will continue to support leadership defined by results, responsibility and commitment rather than political statements without evidence of delivery”.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo further expresses concern over the limited public advocacy by several Southeast political leaders regarding the developmental achievements of the Tinubu administration in the region”, Isiguzoro said.
He noted that Senator Dave Umahi has consistently been one of the most vocal Southeastern voices, highlighting and defending the administration’s infrastructure agenda, particularly in the areas of road construction and rehabilitation.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 18TH AUGUST, 2026)
