I extend my congratulations to the Governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election following the August 15, 2026, gubernatorial polls. I task him to view this second mandate from the people not as a triumph of impunity, but as a critical opportunity to right the wrongs of his first term, a period significantly marred by allegations of corruption and nepotism. Equally, I laud the candidate of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO). He demonstrated extraordinary courage, maturity, statesmanship, and political intelligence in how he robustly engaged the electorate during the campaigns and how he is conducting himself in the post-election phase. His dignified posture remains a beautiful example of true progressive leadership.
 
For the general progressive family, both in Osun state and across the nation, this election presents profound lessons and crucial takeaways. Foremost among these, and something I have consistently emphasised, is the non-negotiable need for genuine reconciliation and the harmonisation of all aggrieved party men and women. We cannot afford the luxury of divided ranks. To win elections convincingly, we must move consciously, deliberately, and swiftly to build harmony and a deep sense of togetherness. Unity is the bedrock of electoral victory; without it, our collective strength is critically compromised.
 
We must similarly realise that while campaigning on the premise of achievements, stellar track records, solid antecedents, capacity to deliver, and brilliant blueprints is essential, especially as we look towards Oyo State, it is simply not enough. We must pay acute attention to the underlying voting dynamics and the visceral issues that truly matter to the people, particularly our grassroots mobilisers and aged, steadfast loyalists. If any member or demographic is aggrieved for any reason, the superior quality of our ideas and visionary blueprints will not matter; they will simply not see it. In extreme cases, deep-seated grievances can push them to work actively against the party's interests. We must prioritise internal cohesion and empathy alongside our policy proposals.
 
It is highly instructive to note that modern electoral success requires us to connect authentically with the people and entities that hold influence, looking far beyond mere optical displays. We must intentionally engage formal and informal institutions, organisations, and associations that matter and are willing to align with our vision, thereby helping us to sell our ideas to their broader memberships. Every single instrument of the party must be fully deployed. From the executive level down to the grassroots mobilisers, our structures must be adequately engaged, funded, and respected so that their passion, time, and energy are fully harnessed for the monumental task of winning elections.
 
I remain strongly convinced that the opposition/party in power in Oyo State, and indeed elsewhere, severely lacks the quality, depth, and pragmatism of our ideas and plans. They have consistently failed in governance and fallen short in their duties as an opposition force. However, as the Osun scenario illustrates, the mere incompetence of our opponents might not matter if our own house is not in absolute order. We cannot allow internal squabbles or unaddressed grievances to linger and inadvertently serve as an advantage for them. Looking ahead to 2027, this is of paramount importance. I urgently call upon our leader, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to actively and genuinely engage all factions, interests, and key individuals. Bringing everyone together is vital, every useful voice and hand is needed to secure total victory for our progressive project moving forward. I wish us the very best of luck.
 
~ Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)
Former Oyo State Governorship Aspirant
APC… PROGRESS!
AKK! Aseyori ni tiwa
AKK!! Ajọṣe, Ajoje
AKK!!! A Task That Must Be Done.
Tuesday, August 18 2026.