Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, has claimed that the political situation in Osun State compelled President Bola Tinubu to remain neutral during the recently concluded governorship election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, the winner of the election on Sunday.
Adeleke secured victory in 19 local government areas, while his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), won 11 local government areas.
Reacting to the outcome in a post on his verified Facebook page, Dalung argued that the political atmosphere in the state made it difficult for President Tinubu to openly intervene in the election.
The former minister, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, said although the election had ended, its political implications would continue beyond the announcement of the results.
Dalung noted that elections in the President’s political stronghold often serve as an assessment of his political influence and support base.
He wrote: “When a President’s strongest political base is expected to be his region, every subsequent election in that region becomes more than just another state contest. It becomes a test of how much of that political capital is still intact.
“Osun was a particularly important test. Forget what anyone will tell you that the President was neutral; the political atmosphere forced him to.
“The All Progressives Congress, APC, did not approach this election casually. The political heavyweights descended on the state with enormous confidence and considerable mobilisation.”
Dalung’s comments come amid discussions over the political significance of Adeleke’s victory and its possible implications for the APC ahead of future elections.
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