The National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Dayo Israel, has attributed the party’s defeat in the Osun State governorship election to its failure to adequately connect with grassroots voters and address internal divisions.
Israel, who is also a member of the APC National Working Committee, made the assessment in a post on his official X handle titled, “Osun has spoken: The bitter truth APC must hear before 2027.”
He said the party underestimated the electoral appeal of Governor Ademola Adeleke, whose dancing and accessibility were often mocked by political opponents.
According to Israel, Adeleke’s public displays and close relationship with local communities helped him establish an emotional connection with voters.
“Governor Adeleke’s dancing was never a weakness. It was a political language. It humanised him, made him accessible, and created emotional proximity with ordinary voters,” he said.
He argued that political success was not determined by policies and elite approval alone, but also by emotion, identity, presence and a sense of belonging.
Israel said the APC must stop equating sophistication with electoral strength, stressing that elections are ultimately won through effective engagement with voters at the grassroots.
“Elections are not won by approval ratings in Abuja. They are won by understanding people as they are,” he said.
The APC youth leader also questioned the composition of the party’s expanded national campaign council, led by Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodinma.
He noted that the council was largely made up of governors, senators and former political office holders and questioned how effectively such a structure could connect with young voters.
“These leaders are important, but we must ask a hard question: how many young Nigerians do they genuinely inspire, mobilise or emotionally connect with?” he asked.
Israel further criticised the APC National Working Committee for failing to formally review the campaign’s progress after the inauguration of the campaign council.
He described the absence of structured monitoring and strategy reviews as a weakness that affected the party’s ability to respond to developments during the election campaign.
On the party’s internal crisis, Israel said the APC failed to sufficiently reconcile aggrieved aspirants and other members with its candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, who emerged through a consensus arrangement.
He identified internal division as one of the major factors affecting the party’s performance.
“No amount of campaign technology can compensate for a fractured political family,” Israel said, calling for greater humility, accommodation and reconciliation within the party.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the APC national youth leader urged the party to rebuild its internal structures, resolve divisions and strengthen its grassroots mobilisation.
He said the party must also develop better ways of connecting with young Nigerians and avoid confusing elite visibility with genuine grassroots support.
“President Tinubu gave us a democratic contest. Governor Adeleke understood his people. Davido understood his generation. The question is whether the APC understands its own lesson,” he said.
“This is not a call for blame. It is a call for renewal. Silence will not win 2027. Osun has spoken. The APC must now listen.”
