Crisis brews for Adeleke as group warns against automatic tickets for defecting lawmakers

2026-03-07 - 07:57

A broad coalition of concerned political stakeholders and grassroots mobilisers across Osun State has cautioned Governor Ademola Adeleke against any move that may introduce automatic tickets for incumbent federal lawmakers, warning that such a decision could trigger serious political consequences across the state. In a statement issued in Osogbo and signed by Adekunle Gabriel on behalf of the Coalition of Concerned Osun Stakeholders, the group noted that while efforts to maintain political stability and cohesion are understandable, the enduring strength of any political structure rests firmly on fairness, inclusion, and the confidence of party members and the electorate. The stakeholders warned that sidelining credible aspirants who have invested significant time, resources, and grassroots energy into the democratic process could breed silent discontent, dampen mobilisation, and potentially push committed political actors toward avoidable realignments. According to the statement, “Your Excellency, history consistently shows that when the political field is perceived to be uneven, grassroots morale weakens and opposition forces gain unnecessary advantage. Political strength is best preserved through open and credible competition, not closed arrangements.” The coalition further observed that the people of Osun are politically conscious and highly sensitive to signals of exclusion or preferential treatment, noting that public goodwill — no matter how strong — must be carefully sustained through demonstrable fairness. “Governor Adeleke enjoys significant goodwill among the people, but goodwill must be protected with inclusive decisions. Any perception that democratic space is narrowing may carry unintended electoral implications, including for future contests,” the group stated. The stakeholders stressed that many aspirants across the state have made heavy legitimate investments in consultation, mobilisation, and community engagement, warning that abrupt structural advantages for a few could create ripple effects capable of affecting overall political stability. They reaffirmed their commitment to peace, maturity, and responsible political engagement across Osun State, while urging the governor and key decision-makers to carefully weigh the long-term electoral and institutional implications of any arrangement that may appear to limit open participation. The group concluded by calling for calm among supporters statewide, emphasising that the moment requires wisdom, balance, and broad inclusion to sustain the prevailing political goodwill in Osun State.