Osun Guber Election: Lessons for Oyo APC and The Imperative of Youth-Centered Political Reorganisation | By Inaolaji Akinloye Adisa, FCIFC

The Osun State governorship election should not be seen only as a party victory, but as a source of strategic lessons for the All Progressives Congress APC in Oyo State ahead of 2027. After two days of field observation in Osun, I am convinced that grassroots realities—not elite assumptions—determine electoral outcomes.

I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke and also commend APC members in Osun for their participation in the democratic process. Elections are ultimately decided at the polling-unit level, making honest post-election reflection essential.

Grassroots Reality vs. Top-Level Assumptions

My field experience confirmed a key truth: grassroots politics cannot be effectively managed from the top alone. What leaders hear in meetings often differs from what exists in wards and polling units.

True political intelligence lies with ward leaders, youth coordinators, polling agents, and community actors who remain active long after campaigns end. Oyo APC must therefore prioritise bottom-up political engagement.

Modernising Oyo APC’s Political Strategy

Nigeria’s electorate is younger, more informed, and digitally connected. Oyo APC must therefore move beyond outdated political habits, including personality-driven politics and the recycling of old structures without renewal.

Respect for political elders remains important, but it must be balanced with innovation, technology, and youth inclusion. The party cannot rely on past political models to win future elections.

Youth Empowerment as Electoral Strategy

To remain competitive in 2027, APC in Oyo State must empower young people across its 6,369 polling units and 351 wards.

Youth involvement should go beyond campaign support roles. They must be integrated into decision-making and operational structures at polling-unit and ward levels.

They should be trained in:

• voter mobilisation and election-day coordination
• digital communication and political engagement
• grassroots intelligence and data management
• community relations and conflict resolution
• polling-unit administration and voter education

Modern elections are increasingly data-driven, and political structures must reflect this reality.

Compensation and Inclusion of All Aspirants

A critical step toward unity and stability within the party is the fair recognition and compensation of all governorship aspirants and other political aspirants who participated in the party’s internal processes.

Those who stepped forward to contest, mobilised supporters, invested resources, and strengthened the party’s visibility must not be abandoned after primaries or elections. Their contributions remain part of the party’s collective strength.

Compensation in this context should be understood broadly to include:

• political inclusion in decision-making structures
• appointment into strategic party and government roles where applicable
• recognition of loyalty and sacrifice
• integration into reconciliation and mobilisation committees
• fair consideration in future political arrangements

A party that fails to carry its aspirants along risks internal resentment, fragmentation, and weakened electoral capacity. Unity is strengthened when every stakeholder feels valued, respected, and included in the political process.

Ending the Cycle of Political Recycling

There is a need to move beyond what can be described as recycled political thinking and actors rooted in older political eras. While the contributions of past leaders remain valuable, history should guide strategy—not define it.

Oyo APC must strike a balance between experience and new-generation political competence, ensuring that succession does not block renewal.

Leadership Accessibility and Internal Unity

Party leadership must become more accessible to grassroots actors. Senior figures, including the National Secretary and former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, should engage more directly with those who deliver votes.

Internal humility is essential. No individual is bigger than the party, and unity must take priority over personal interests.

Addressing Internal Grievances Through Reconciliation

There are unresolved political issues within Oyo APC across some local governments and senatorial districts. Ignoring them could weaken the party ahead of 2027.

The solution is not denial or propaganda, but genuine reconciliation and negotiation. Stakeholders must be engaged early, grievances addressed openly, and conflicts resolved before elections intensify.

Organisation Will Decide 2027

The Osun election reinforces a key principle: elections are won by organisation, not noise. Strong candidates and rallies are not enough without effective grassroots structures.

Oyo APC must begin early preparation by:

• auditing ward and polling-unit structures
• identifying strengths and weaknesses
• resolving internal disputes
• training youth organisers
• improving communication systems
• strengthening feedback mechanisms

Conclusion

Oyo APC must avoid repeating past mistakes. Elders should be respected, but not allowed to limit innovation. Youths must be empowered, not sidelined. Internal disputes must be resolved, not ignored.

The 2027 election will not be won with outdated strategies. It will be decided by unity, organisation, reconciliation, inclusion of all aspirants, and modern grassroots mobilisation.

The time to act is now.

Inaolaji Akinloye Adisa, FCIFC
Political Scientist | Public Affairs Analyst | Grassroots Politician.