Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has ridiculed his Osun State counterpart, Ademola Adeleke, over his well-known dancing habits, asserting that the governor prioritises dancing over governance. The remarks were made on Thursday during an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Osun State, held to bolster support for the party's governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the August 15 election.
Okpebholo's Dance Mockery
Speaking to a crowd of APC supporters, Okpebholo repeatedly lampooned Adeleke's affinity for dancing, suggesting it has become a distraction from his duties. "Before somebody signs paper, he will dance. Are you not tired? For four years, this man has been dancing. Before he takes breakfast, before he drinks tea, he will dance," Okpebholo said, drawing laughter from the audience.
The Edo governor also attempted to draw parallels between Adeleke and former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, implying that both should face similar electoral consequences. "That man is Obaseki's friend. You know we kicked Obaseki out of Edo. So, we have to kick his friend out of this place too. A lot of people 'chopped' Obaseki's money, but they never voted for him," he added.
Controversial Vote-Buying Advice
One of the most contentious moments of the rally came when Okpebholo addressed reports that the Accord Party was allegedly distributing money to voters. Rather than discouraging the practice, he urged supporters to accept the money but still vote for the APC candidate. "If they bring money, 'chop' that money from them, but don't vote for them. They said they have money to spend, is that not so? Just collect the money, keep it in your pocket," he instructed.
Vote buying remains a significant issue in Nigerian elections, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and election observers repeatedly warning against it as an electoral offence. Okpebholo's comments have sparked debate about the ethics of such advice, though he framed it as a strategic move to undermine rival parties.
Roads and Infrastructure Criticism
Okpebholo also took aim at the condition of roads in Osun, using another jab at Adeleke. "The road I was passing, my tyre was shaking. I said, is it the dancing road or the dancing governor's road?" he quipped, highlighting the state's infrastructure challenges under the current administration.
He concluded his speech by rallying supporters to embrace change. "Osun, are we ready to make a change? Are we ready to say bye-bye to dancing?" he asked, as the crowd responded with cheers.
Election Context
The August 15 governorship election is expected to be highly competitive, with the APC seeking to unseat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun, where Adeleke currently holds power. Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo was also present at the rally, underscoring the APC's coordinated campaign efforts.
Okpebholo's remarks have added a fiery tone to the campaign, but they also reflect the deep political rivalry between the parties. As the election approaches, both sides are intensifying their strategies, with the APC focusing on mobilising voters through high-profile rallies and controversial messaging.
