Former Senator Ojudu Babafemi has published a list of 15 factors he says cost the All Progressives Congress (APC) the Osun State governorship election, ranging from economic hardship to the influence of musician Davido. The post, shared on his Facebook page on Sunday, August 17, 2026, under the title "Those Who Defeated the APC in Osun State," has drawn wide reactions, with commenters praising Adeleke's resilience and criticising Oyetola's role in the loss.
Key Factors Behind APC's Defeat
At the top of his list, Ojudu pointed to the prevailing hunger across the country as a major factor that turned voters against the ruling party. He also criticised the Edo State governor, whose public remarks against Governor Ademola Adeleke he said backfired badly by generating sympathy for the incumbent. The freezing of the Osun State Government's accounts also featured prominently, with Ojudu suggesting the move alienated rather than weakened Adeleke's base.
Ojudu, who represented Ekiti Central at the Senate, aimed at several party figures by name. He said Senator Fadahunsi damaged the APC's standing with reported comments that Accord Party members should be killed. He also criticised Hon. Wole Oke for publicly invoking President Bola Tinubu's name and influence in a manner that he said proved counterproductive. A campaigner identified as Ero Arike was also faulted for what Ojudu called "endless rants and curses."
Oyetola's Role and Adeleke's Appeal
Former Governor Gboyega Oyetola drew some of the sharpest criticism. Ojudu accused him of imposing a candidate on the party rather than allowing members to choose their own standard-bearer, a decision he argued generated deep internal resentment.
On the other side, Ojudu credited Adeleke's now-famous dance steps with boosting his public appeal, and singled out Davido for drawing large crowds to the governor's campaign. He also praised the people of Osun for what he called their determination and fearlessness, and highlighted the creativity of campaign songs used during the election season.
Public Reactions to the Post
The post drew a wave of responses from commenters who largely agreed with Ojudu's reading of events. Familoni Faith Ayodeji wrote: "I became emotional reading this. The battles Adeleke passed through could be likened to David and Goliath. They almost cripple his government."
Eyitayo Ojemola suggested a 15th factor, saying: "The intimidation he was made to suffer as the Governor of a State, where he's supposed to be Chief Host, at Ooni's Palace, also attracted sympathy support for Senator GANJA from many quarters." Prince Ademola Onifade went further and called for internal reform, writing: "If the progressive party wants to return as a ruling party in Osun State, Oyetola should excuse himself from the party leadership."
Kingsley Nzemechi focused on voter agency, saying: "I will give credit to the people of Osun State who stood their ground and made a statement. They just told the rest of us that the will of the people can still prevail if we are determined." The reactions underscore the deep divisions within the APC and the significant challenges the party faces in rebuilding ahead of future elections in Osun State.
