Isaac Fayose, the younger brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, has declared that the outcome of the Osun State governorship election is proof that President Bola Tinubu can be defeated in the 2027 presidential election. Speaking in a video posted on his Instagram page on Sunday, August 16, Fayose reacted to Governor Ademola Adeleke's re-election victory on the Accord Party platform, which came despite a heavy show of force by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Osun Voters as Heroes
Fayose described the people of Osun as the true heroes of the election, crediting their resolve and unity for delivering a result that embarrassed the APC. The party had mobilised 16 state governors to campaign for its candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, yet still lost. Fayose drew a sharp contrast between Osun voters and those from his home state of Ekiti, which he bluntly described as a place where votes are sold.
“The Osun election has come and gone, and the people are the heroes of this election. With 16 APC governors in Osun, the party failed woefully. Shame caught them,” he said. “I love Osun people. They are not like Ekiti people. Ekiti people are vote sellers. When you look at what happened in Osun, you will see that the power of the people is greater than the power of the APC. If Osun people can defeat 16 governors, it means all of us can defeat Tinubu before 2pm in the January elections.”
Blueprint for 2027
Fayose urged Nigerians across the country to study what happened in Osun and replicate it at the presidential level. He emphasised that the Osun result serves as a blueprint for the 2027 general election, showing that mass voter turnout and unity can overcome the influence of political heavyweights.
The video drew strong reactions from followers online, with many expressing admiration for the Osun electorate and calling for the same attitude ahead of 2027. One commenter, @comrade01___, wrote, “If our votes does not count they won't be paying money to buy it.” Another, @austine_bmt, said, “The people of OSUN defended their vote and democracy? we should emulate the same system in 2027.” @ema_odele added, “A new Nigeria is possible if we vote rightly, stand by to protect our votes & we don't let tribalism or religion to tear us apart. If it can happen in Osun state it can happen in d entire country.”
Clarification on Prayer Video
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Isaac Fayose reacted after a video of him praying with Seyi Tinubu and Cubana Chief Priest for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sparked speculation about his political allegiance. Fayose explained that the gathering was a private social visit and insisted the prayer was spontaneous, not a sign of shifting loyalty. He reaffirmed his commitment to Peter Obi and the Obidient movement, stressing he remains “101% Obidient” despite his personal bond with the Tinubu family.
Fayose’s remarks come as political observers analyse the implications of the Osun result for the 2027 presidential election, with many viewing it as a sign of growing anti-APC sentiment. The Osun election, held on Saturday, August 15, saw Adeleke secure a second term, defeating Oyabamiji and other candidates. The victory is seen as a significant setback for the APC, which had deployed substantial resources and high-profile figures to campaign in the state.
