Osun Election: The New Politics of Performance

By GN (Dr.) Kayode (Kay) Elusoji

 The people of Osun State have delivered a verdict that extends beyond the outcome of an election. The return of Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term, following the August 15, 2026 election, offers an important lesson about the changing relationship between citizens, public office and performance.

At the Great Nigerian Assembly (GNA), we see the result as evidence of a Nigerian electorate becoming increasingly discerning about governance. Citizens are beginning to look beyond campaign rhetoric and ask a more fundamental question: What has been delivered?

That principle is central to the GNA CAA Governance Model, which holds that public recognition must be tied to measurable performance. Where public officers deliver meaningful projects and improvements, such efforts should be acknowledged. Where they fail, citizens must have the courage to demand accountability.

LAGERE FLYOVER: A TEST OF PERFORMANCE

Days before the election, Governor Adeleke and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), commissioned the Lagere Flyover Bridge at Lagere Junction, Ile-Ife, alongside the dualisation of the Mayfair Roundabout to Palace Junction corridor.

For Ile-Ife, the project represents more than physical infrastructure. According to the GNA Ife LGA CAA Governance Model Committee, chaired by Prince (GN) Johnson Oluwafunso Adetayo, it addressed a long-standing infrastructure expectation that had remained unresolved under successive administrations.

The committee formally commended the Governor for delivering the project because the CAA principle requires citizens and civic organisations to recognise public value when it occurs.

The lesson is clear: political office should not automatically determine recognition. Delivery should.

GRATITUDE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

The GNA also acknowledges the role of the Federal Government in providing financial resources to States, senatorial districts, federal constituencies and local governments under the current fiscal dispensation.

Osun State, like other States, has benefited from allocations that have contributed to the implementation of development projects.

But gratitude cannot replace accountability.

Every Governor, Senator, member of the House of Representatives and Local Government Chairman has a responsibility to demonstrate that public resources are producing tangible benefits for citizens.

The GNA therefore calls for stronger independence, funding and operational capacity for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Accountability must apply without regard to political party, office or influence.

TECHNOLOGY FOR CITIZEN ACCOUNTABILITY

The GNA is also advancing technology as an instrument of civic accountability through its collaboration with CPI Technologies Inc.

The organisation’s digital platform is designed to enable Certified Citizen Reporters (CCRs) to document and assess infrastructure and public services at community, ward and local-government levels.

Pilot activities are already advanced in Ife Central and Ife East, with CCRs undergoing training and a Ward Manager Committee structure established to receive and act on community reports.

The objective is straightforward: citizens should have the tools to document the realities of governance and ensure that public officials remain answerable to the people they serve.

THE 2026 PACESETTER AWARDS

The GNA Pacesetter Award Committee has also commenced preparations for the 2026 Award Cycle.

The programme, which began in 2025, is being expanded across additional sectors and the sixteen GNA professional groups.

The inaugural awards recognised individuals including Alhaji Aliko Dangote as Person of the Year, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Senator of the Year, Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as Minister of the Year, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as Governor of the Year, and Hon. Alabi Kolade David as Local Government Chairman of the Year.

Importantly, no award was made in the House of Representatives category because, according to the GNA’s stated standard, no sufficiently credible performance record was documented.

That decision demonstrates the principle behind the programme: recognition must be earned.

THE NEW POLITICAL YARDSTICK

Governor Adeleke deserves congratulations for his electoral victory. But the victory also comes with renewed responsibility. His next four years will provide another opportunity for citizens to measure promises against results.

The same standard should apply across Nigeria.

The politician of the future will not be defined primarily by campaign noise, political affiliation or public relations. He or she will be judged by the record left behind.

Nigerians are becoming more discerning. Public office is facing greater scrutiny, and citizens are increasingly demanding evidence of performance.

The Great Nigerian Assembly will continue to recognise what deserves recognition and demand accountability where accountability is required — without fear, favour or regard to party colour.

Osun has delivered its verdict. The message to Nigeria is unmistakable: performance matters.



• GN (Dr.) Kayode (Kay) Elusoji

Executive Director, Great Nigerian Assembly (GNA)

Chairman, GNA TV & News · GNA Weekly · GNA

Global Pacesetter

Email: kayode.elusoji@greatnigerian.org