Editorial: Osun 2026: Beyond Rallies, Where Are the Ideas?

The clock is ticking relentlessly. With only weeks to the August 15 governorship election, Osun State stands at another defining moment in its democratic journey. The choice before the electorate is not merely about selecting a governor; it is about determining the direction of the state for the next four years at a time when economic hardship, institutional challenges and growing public expectations demand visionary leadership.

Regrettably, the campaign has, so far, been largely underwhelming. Rather than elevating public discourse with robust debates on policy alternatives and governance priorities, much of the political activity has revolved around rallies, slogans and personality contests. Equally troubling are lingering concerns over the independence and impartiality of some critical national institutions. Public confidence in these institutions is indispensable to the credibility of the electoral process and must be restored through transparency, professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law.

Democracy flourishes when elections are contests of ideas, not merely contests of political machinery. Yet, with a few notable exceptions, many of the governorship candidates have failed to present detailed, practical and measurable programmes capable of addressing Osun’s pressing challenges. In this regard, the African Democratic Congress candidate, Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam, deserves commendation for unveiling a comprehensive policy document open to public scrutiny and debate. Whether one agrees with his proposals or not is immaterial; what matters is that he has enriched the democratic conversation by offering voters something concrete to evaluate. Other candidates should emulate this example by placing their manifestoes before the electorate for rigorous public interrogation.

History demonstrates that preparation, not improvisation, is the hallmark of successful governance. The legendary administrations of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande in Lagos State and the late Chief Sam Mbakwe in the old Imo State remain enduring examples of what visionary leadership, backed by meticulous planning, can achieve within a relatively short period. They were not miracle workers. They simply entered office with clearly articulated, realistic and well-costed development programmes. Even in more recent times, successful administrations across Nigeria have shown that transformative governance begins long before inauguration day. Osun deserves nothing less.

The state today faces enormous developmental challenges. Economic opportunities remain limited, unemployment persists, educational outcomes require improvement, healthcare delivery needs strengthening, agricultural productivity must be enhanced and infrastructure requires sustained investment. At the same time, Osun must accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, many of whose targets remain off track. Meeting these challenges requires more than campaign rhetoric. It demands innovation, strategic planning and a clear roadmap for implementation.

Every sector of the state’s economy and public service requires fresh thinking. Agriculture must evolve beyond subsistence to become a driver of wealth creation and food security. Education must equip learners with the digital, entrepreneurial and technical skills required in an increasingly competitive global economy. Healthcare must become more accessible, affordable and efficient, while industrialisation, tourism, technology and local government administration deserve renewed policy attention. These are the issues that should dominate campaign conversations.

A useful example of the quality of discourse required came recently from former Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Pace Setter School, he offered a thoughtful reflection on the future of education, arguing that learning must be fundamentally reimagined to prepare children for a rapidly changing world. Whether one agrees with every aspect of his philosophy is beside the point. His intervention demonstrated the kind of intellectual engagement that enriches public debate. We recommend such issue-based conversations to all candidates. Osun needs a marketplace of ideas, not merely a marketplace of political promises.

An ideas-driven campaign also serves another important democratic purpose. It exposes politicians who have little to offer beyond intimidation, vote-buying and other anti-democratic tactics. Reports of attempts to induce voters or compromise the integrity of the electoral process should concern every stakeholder. Elections must not be reduced to contests of financial inducement or coercion. The most effective antidote to such practices is an informed electorate presented with clear policy alternatives and empowered to make rational choices.

The responsibility, however, does not rest with politicians alone. Civil society organisations, professional bodies, the media and the electorate must insist on issue-based engagement. Candidates should be challenged through debates, policy dialogues and public interviews to explain not only what they intend to do but also how they intend to finance and implement their promises. Governance is too serious a business to be left to slogans.

As the campaigns enter their final stretch, we urge all candidates to rise above partisan theatrics and focus on presenting credible solutions to Osun’s problems. The electorate deserves clarity, competence and vision. They deserve to know not just who seeks to govern them, but why such individuals should be entrusted with that responsibility.

We also call on the people of Osun State to participate actively in the democratic process. Turn out in large numbers on August 15, vote peacefully and lawfully, resist every attempt at intimidation or vote-buying, and ensure that every legitimate vote counts. The future of Osun will be shaped not by the loudest campaign rallies, but by the wisdom of the choices its people make at the ballot box.