The African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate in the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, Olajide Esan, has alleged that financial inducement played a major role in Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory.
Esan made the allegation on Wednesday during a live appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he criticised the conduct of the election and questioned the priorities of the state government.
The AAC candidate claimed that Adeleke’s victory was not primarily based on his administration’s achievements or policies, but on what he described as the capacity to influence voters financially.
According to Esan, vote-buying was not limited to one political party, alleging that both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Adeleke’s Accord Party were involved in the practice.
“Adeleke won the election not really based on what he has to offer, but the capacity to promote inducement because all this vote buying was not only APC. It’s both APC and Accord Party,” he said.
Esan also criticised the governor’s approach to development, arguing that human capital development should be a major priority for any administration committed to improving the lives of its citizens.
He said Adeleke had failed to demonstrate sufficient focus on developing the people of Osun State, which he described as a fundamental responsibility of effective leadership.
“If you really understand what standard is all about, a great leader has to take human capital development seriously. It’s not just about doing kangaroo project to syphon state money,” Esan said.
The AAC candidate further alleged that several projects executed by the Adeleke administration were designed primarily to facilitate the diversion of public funds rather than deliver meaningful benefits to residents.
He described the projects as “kangaroo projects” and questioned the impact of the funds reportedly flowing into the state on the lives of ordinary residents.
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“So his projects are kangaroo projects because a lot of money has come into Osun State, but you can’t really see it on the people,” he added.
Esan’s comments come shortly after the conclusion of the Osun governorship election, in which Adeleke secured re-election for another term.
The election featured candidates from several political parties, including the APC, AAC and Accord Party, with Adeleke emerging as the winner.
The allegations of vote-buying and financial inducement are serious claims, although Esan did not provide specific evidence during the television interview to substantiate his accusations.
Vote-buying remains a recurring concern in Nigeria’s electoral system, with election observers and stakeholders repeatedly calling for stronger enforcement of electoral laws and greater accountability among political parties and candidates.
The AAC candidate’s criticism also highlights the broader debate over governance in Osun State, particularly regarding the balance between physical infrastructure, human capital development and the effective use of public resources.
As Adeleke begins his new term, attention is expected to focus on how his administration responds to concerns raised by opposition figures and whether it can demonstrate measurable improvements in the welfare and development of residents across the state.
