By Amebo Newspaper NG
The outcome of the just-concluded Osun State governorship election, in which incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke emerged victorious, has been described as a major political wake-up call for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was made by the Founder and National President of Yapi Foundation, Amb. Olayemi Paul (YAPI), who urged APC candidates seeking election into the Senate, House of Representatives and Ogun State House of Assembly to avoid complacency and begin reconnecting more deeply with the electorate.
According to him, the Osun election has demonstrated that being the candidate of a ruling political party does not automatically guarantee electoral victory, stressing that political success must be earned through visible impact, effective representation and a strong relationship with the people.
Amb. Paul noted that despite the political structures and machinery available to the APC in Osun State, the electorate exercised their democratic rights based on their perception of governance and performance.
He said the development should serve as a lesson for politicians in Ogun Central, particularly those who may be relying heavily on party structures while neglecting the needs and expectations of their constituents.
“Victory is not automatic because of the ruling party label. Victory is earned through impact, service and connection with the people,” he stated.
The YAPI Foundation president challenged APC candidates in Ogun Central to begin assessing their records of service and identify areas where they could make greater contributions to their communities before the next election.
He stressed that voters were more likely to remember tangible projects, empowerment initiatives, accessibility and effective representation than political slogans or party logos.
“People remember what you did for them, not the logo on your banner. If your community cannot point to projects, empowerment or representation from you, party structure alone will not save you,” he said.
Amb. Paul further urged politicians to recognise that the electorate is becoming increasingly conscious of their choices, adding that competence, performance and genuine service to the people would continue to play important roles in determining electoral outcomes.
He advised APC candidates to return to their drawing boards, strengthen their engagement with constituents and stakeholders, and use their records of achievement as their strongest campaign tools.
While acknowledging that the APC remains a formidable political force in Ogun Central, he warned that political strength could become ineffective where it is not backed by unity, grassroots engagement and demonstrable service.
He therefore appealed to party candidates and stakeholders not to wait until the election season before addressing areas of weakness.
“Let us not wait until after elections to learn the same lesson Osun has just taught many politicians,” he cautioned.
Amb. Paul called on all APC candidates in Ogun Central to place the interests of the electorate above partisan considerations and ensure that their presence is felt positively in the lives of residents before election day.
He maintained that constant engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, women, professionals and other stakeholders would be crucial to building trust and sustaining political support.
“The people will decide. And they will decide based on who has truly worked for them,” he declared.
The statement was signed by Amb. Olayemi Paul (YAPI), Founder/National President, Yapi Foundation.
