There was drama on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics when re-elected Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke broke into his trademark dance during an interview with presenter Seun Okinbaloye.
Adeleke, who is popularly known as the “Dancing Governor”, was responding to a question on whether he could express his feelings through music when he replied, “You got it.”
He then danced to Feel, a hit song by his nephew, Davido, first while seated and later on his feet, displaying the dancing skills that have become synonymous with his public image.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, winner of Saturday’s governorship election with 511,067 votes, defeating the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.
Speaking on his victory, Adeleke said it was an endorsement by Osun voters of his administration’s performance in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, workers’ welfare and road development.
He said his opponents initially underestimated him because of his dancing and public persona.
“At first, a lot of people underestimated me because of my dancing skills. A lot of people believed I wasn’t a serious person; that I would just go there, dance and have fun,” he said.
“But for me, I like people to underrate me. When you underrate me, I hit you from the back.”
According to him, his administration achieved in three and a half years what previous APC administrations could not accomplish in 12 years.
“So that was what really happened. Before they knew what was going on, what the APC could not achieve in Osun in 12 years, I had already achieved in three and a half years,” he said.
Adeleke said his government entered office with a clear blueprint and a competent team, enabling it to execute projects in infrastructure, road connectivity and healthcare across the state.
“Immediately we came in, we had a blueprint and I had a very fantastic team, so we got to work. Before they could know what was going on, we had done infrastructure, connectivity of roads and health,” he said.
Labour Support
The governor also credited his relationship with organised labour for his re-election, saying Osun had not experienced a strike throughout his administration.
He said he allowed labour unions to negotiate directly with the government, including over the minimum wage.
“For the first time in history, there has never been a strike for one day. Even when the minimum wage issue came, I told them: ‘Go and negotiate. Go and do what you have to do. Bring it to me and I will sign it,’” he said.
“So they are very happy. I kept wondering whether they would say thank you by giving me another chance for the second time. And they spoke loud and clear.”
Adeleke also attributed his victory to his accessibility, grassroots connection and personal relationship with the people.
“I think it’s my person. It’s my person. They love my personality. I give them joy. I’m very accessible. I’m grassroots, so I’m free with everybody. I love my people, and they love me back. And, of course, performance. All of these joined together to make it great,” he said.
