The people of Osun State have a date with history this Saturday, July 16 when they file out to elect a new governor that will pilot their affairs for another four years.
Despite the presence of other candidates, the election is expected to be a two-horse race between the current governor, Gboyega Oyetola of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and ‘Dancing’ Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Coincidentally, both men battled it out in 2018 with Oyetola narrowly emerging victorious after a controversial re-run.
Four years down the line, a lot has changed in the political landscape of the state with alignments and re-alignments taking place among the two major parties in the state.
How will the pendulum swing this time around?.
Let’s look at factors that will shape the outcome of the election.
1. Power of Incumbency: Governor Oyetola enjoys the power of incumbency which gives him a strategic advantage over other candidates in the race. As current governor, he has access and control over state machinery which can be used to secure victory for the APC at the polls.
2. Tinubu’s Influence: Bola Tinubu, former Lagos state governor and Presidential Candidate of the APC is a cousin to governor Oyetola. The Jagaban as he is fondly called wields a massive influence in the politics of Osun and the South West and will do everything possible to ensure victory of his relative in the race.
3. Davido’s Influence: Award-winning superstar, Davido is a nephew to Adeleke, the PDP candidate. In 2018, Davido played a significant role in mobilizing youths of the state to support his uncle who lost by the slimmest of margins. Just like in 2018, the music star will most certainly visit Osun in the coming days to mobilize for his beloved uncle.
4. The Candidates: Some electorates will vote based on the quality and track record of the candidates irrespective of party affiliations. This will most certainly swing the votes in favour of a candidate seen as most competent for the job.
5. Vote Buying: Just like what played out in Ekiti, we can’t rule out the effect of voter inducement in the forthcoming Osun governorship election. Due to the high rate of poverty and illiteracy in the land, voters are likely to trade their votes for money and other items such as wrappers, salt, sugar, rice, seasoning cubes and garri. The candidate with the deepest pocket may likely emerge the winner of the polls.
OUR STANDPOINT:
Osun state must get it right this time. Eligible voters must vote for a candidate who has what it takes to provide the much-needed dividends of Democracy to the people.
INEC on its part must ensure that the will of the people prevails through the conduct of a credible, free and fair election.
