Osun 2026: Of fear, courage, and Nigeria 2027
IN more ways than one, the titanic contest for the governor’s mansion in Osun State in the South West geopolitical zone of the country last weekend provided a window for perceptive political partisans to look into 2027 in terms of the pivotal elections in January and February, especially the presidential election tentatively scheduled for January […] The post Osun 2026: Of fear, courage, and…
The dramatic gubernatorial contest in Osun State last weekend offered a glimpse into the upcoming elections in 2027, particularly the presidential race slated for January 16. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could not fix election dates with certainty, given the fluid nature of politics in Nigeria. Originally, the presidential and National Assembly elections were set for February 20, while the governorship and state House of Assembly elections were for March 6.
However, the National Assembly (NASS) attempted to tamper with the electoral laws and even aimed to alter the 1999 Constitution. One of their provisions prohibited election tribunals from considering forgery in post-election litigations.
The NASS's interference also led to changes in the 2027 election dates. Muslims had protested against the February date, arguing it could clash with their religious observances. Consequently, INEC moved the presidential election to January 16, anticipating that many Igbo people might not return from their annual pilgrimage to their South East homes by then. This decision was a calculated attempt to suppress Igbo voting power, as their polling stations were located in their permanent places of abode.
The rigging of the 2027 election has commenced, and the Igbo community, lacking the organization and voice to challenge the situation, is struggling to secure their voting rights. This situation mirrors the predicament of Vice President Mohammed Kashim Shettima, who has been marginalized in the Yoruba-dominated presidency since 2023. Shettima had to beg Tinubu for his position, unlike his counterpart Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was criticized for being unsuitable for the role.
The focus of this story is the weekend's Osun State gubernatorial election, where incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke (from the Accord Party) managed to secure re-election. Adeleke, previously part of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), joined a less prominent party for the race. The election showcased the fear of potential Federal intervention and the courage displayed by Adeleke and his supporters to resist the opposition. Fear and courage were prominent elements of the event, with courage emerging as the victor.
Written by urgent.news from Ripples Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
