The National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dayo Israel, has described Governor Ademola Adeleke’s public dancing and close interaction with the people as a political strength rather than a weakness.
Israel made the observation while reflecting on the outcome of the Osun State governorship election, where Adeleke secured a second term in office.
According to the APC youth leader, Adeleke’s ability to sing, dance and engage directly with grassroots voters helped him build an emotional connection with the electorate.
Israel argued that political opponents who focused mainly on Adeleke’s dancing and public performances may have failed to recognise the political value behind his approach.
He said Adeleke’s accessibility and ability to relate with ordinary people helped humanise him and create a sense of closeness with voters.
“Politics is not only policy. It is emotion, identity, presence and belonging,” Israel said, according to his commentary on the election.
The APC youth leader’s remarks came after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke of the Accord Party the winner of the August 15, 2026, Osun governorship election.
Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes, giving the incumbent a winning margin of 66,252 votes.
Accord also won 19 of Osun State’s 30 local government areas, while the APC won 11.
Israel has also called on the APC to critically examine its performance in the election, pointing to issues including grassroots mobilisation, internal divisions and an overreliance on established political figures.
The comments have renewed attention on the role of personality, grassroots engagement and emotional connection in Nigerian politics, particularly as political parties begin to assess the lessons from the Osun election ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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