A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Farouk Aliyu, has accused party members and supporters of taking Governor Ademola Adeleke for granted during the 2022 Osun State governorship election. He stated that this complacency contributed to the APC’s loss in the poll, as many within the party assumed the federal government would intervene to secure victory. Aliyu emphasized that this overconfidence led to a lack of strategic mobilization and grassroots engagement, allowing Adeleke and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to gain momentum.
Senator Aliyu, who is also a former Minister of Interior, spoke during a recent political analysis session where he reflected on the APC’s performance in Osun. He noted that some party leaders believed the federal government had the power to influence electoral outcomes, which created a false sense of security among party loyalists. This belief, according to Aliyu, caused key stakeholders to neglect critical campaign activities such as voter education, door-to-door canvassing, and coalition building.
The APC’s defeat in Osun was significant, marking a rare loss in a state where the party had previously held strong influence. Governor Adeleke, representing the PDP, won with a margin of over 150,000 votes after a closely contested race. The election, held on July 16, 2022, saw high voter turnout and widespread scrutiny from both domestic and international observers. Despite the APC’s efforts to challenge the results through legal channels, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) upheld Adeleke’s victory.
Aliyu pointed out that the APC failed to adequately address the concerns of voters, particularly in rural areas, where Adeleke’s campaign focused heavily on youth empowerment, job creation, and improved healthcare. He stressed that the party underestimated the level of grassroots organization exhibited by the PDP and its allies. “We thought we could win by default,” Aliyu said, “but democracy doesn’t work that way.”
He also criticized the party’s leadership for not engaging younger Nigerians effectively, noting that the PDP’s use of social media and youth-led campaigns played a major role in their success. Aliyu called for a comprehensive review of the APC’s strategies ahead of future elections, especially in states like Osun where the political landscape is highly competitive.
As Nigeria prepares for more local and national elections, Aliyu’s remarks serve as a cautionary note for political parties across the country. His comments highlight the importance of grassroots mobilization, voter engagement, and realistic campaign planning. The lessons from Osun may shape how political actors approach upcoming elections, ensuring they do not repeat past mistakes.
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