The Director-General of APC Youth Network West Africa, Hon. Olatunde Gideon Igbasan, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as Osun State Governor, describing the outcome as another demonstration of Nigeria’s democratic maturity.
Q: What is your reaction to the outcome of the Osun governorship election?
Hon. Igbasan: I sincerely congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election. The people of Osun State have spoken, and as democrats, we must respect their mandate.
Elections come and go, but democracy must endure. I wish the Governor wisdom and success as he begins another term of service to the people of Osun State.
Q: Does the result raise concerns for the APC ahead of the 2027 presidential election?
Hon. Igbasan: No. We must be careful not to confuse a state governorship election with a presidential election.
The Osun result is not a referendum on the 2027 presidential election. The dynamics, issues and considerations are different.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains strongly positioned for 2027, and I am confident that Nigerians will renew their mandate for him based on his leadership, vision and the progress of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Q: What is your assessment of President Tinubu’s handling of the election?
Hon. Igbasan: I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating that he is truly a father of democracy and a leader who understands that power ultimately belongs to the people.
He has shown that the democratic process must be allowed to function freely. A President who can accept the outcome of an election without attempting to interfere with the people’s choice demonstrates confidence in democracy and respect for Nigerians.
That is leadership. That is statesmanship.
Q: What lesson should the APC draw from Osun?
Hon. Igbasan: The party must strengthen its grassroots structure and, importantly, never underestimate or take for granted any support group, movement, volunteer or loyal follower.
Every supporter matters.
Whether a support group has 10 members or 10,000 members, their commitment must be recognized and appreciated. Today’s small structure can become tomorrow’s major political force.
We must build a party where our supporters feel valued, encouraged and connected to the larger vision.
Q: What is APC Youth Network West Africa contributing to this grassroots effort?
Hon. Igbasan: We are taking grassroots engagement seriously.
Our Weekly Food Outreach, which has been touching lives, has now extended to Abuja. This is part of our belief that political engagement must go beyond election periods.
We must remain connected to the people, support communities and demonstrate that the Renewed Hope Agenda is about real people and their everyday lives.
Q: Finally, what is your message to APC supporters?
Hon. Igbasan: Stay calm. Stay united. Stay committed.
We congratulate Governor Adeleke, we respect the people of Osun State, and we accept the outcome in the spirit of democracy.
But the political journey continues.
Osun is Osun. 2027 is 2027.
The APC must learn, reorganize, strengthen its grassroots and continue communicating the achievements and vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Renewed Hope Agenda continues.
2027 is ahead—and we are ready.
HON. OLATUNDE GIDEON IGBASAN
Director-General, APC Youth Network West Africa
Above are photos from the weekly Food Outreach held at the APC Youth Network West Africa National Secretariat, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.
