by Alexander O. Onukwue

The candidate for the PDP in the Osun West Senatorial elections which held on Saturday, July 8, 2017, Ademola Adeleke, has been declared the winner.

Adeleke replaces his brother, Isiaka, whose demise had led to the available seat in the Osun Senatorial contingent.

In a process that began with a sensational defection of Dr Ademola Adeleke from the APC to the PDP, Osun West became an interesting scenario for political observers, especially as a litmus test for the wildly criticised Rauf Aregbesola APC Government. Ogbeni has been owing salaries for months on end, at the same time arrogating to himself an invincibility that appeared repulsive to most people.

Ademola Adeleke’s unexpected switch to the PDP was a huge blow to the ruling party in the state, due to the popularity of Senator Isiaka. It was a particular vote of no confidence to Aregbesola’s recent dormancy in handling the plethora of issues in the State of Osun, especially staff welfare and tertiary education. Aregbesola, though shocked, put forward a defiant face and boasted that the move by Adeleke would backfire, leading to an APC victory.

But he was wrong. And as the upper-cut margin of Adeleke’s victory shows – 9 out of 10 LGAs – there was never any doubt that the people of Osun West wanted to send a clear message of solidarity with one of their own, than any continued subjection to the underwhelming party in the Government House.

Ademola Adeleke’s victory was free of violence or any of the usual trappings of mass irregularities that undermined the credibility of elections in Nigeria. INEC has received favourable ratings on its performance at the polls, but it is to the willing people of Osun West that the commendations truly belong.

In a spirit of sportsmanship, he has extended his congratulations to Adeleke. Perhaps he should get some commendation too for the right environment for free and fair elections, though that should not truly be something for which he should be thanked as though it was a favour.

The interest now is, as Fani-Kayode has quickly reminded, that the Governor now faces a decision on which barber to employ to shave his beard.

Editor