By Prince Dan Olaitan Dada
Convener, Sanity Brand Ecosystem (SBES)
On August 16, 2026, I marked my 50th birthday—a significant milestone that calls for reflection, gratitude and a renewed commitment to public service.
It is therefore fitting that as I attain the age of 50, the 36 Political Elevation Group (36 PEG), a non-partisan organisation committed to leadership development and good governance across Nigeria, lends its voice to a defining moment in our democracy: the conclusion of the Osun State governorship election.
OSUN ELECTION AND THE LESSON OF POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY
The events surrounding the Osun State governorship election have once again reaffirmed a fundamental principle of democracy: ultimate political authority belongs to the people.
The level of political mobilisation witnessed across Osun State was significant. Governors, members of the National Assembly, senior political party officials and other influential political actors were visibly present in the state in the days leading up to the election.
Yet, the essence of what transpired was simple.
Despite the deployment of political structures, influence and resources, the people of Osun went to their respective polling units, considered the issues, weighed the arguments and made their choices based on their conscience and assessment of records of service.
A governor is not a ballot paper. A senator is not a ballot paper. Political influence, no matter how powerful, cannot replace the decision of the individual voter on election day.
The voter remains the ultimate authority at the polling unit.
GOVERNANCE AS THE FOUNDATION OF THE PEOPLE’S MANDATE
Following the official declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Ademola Adeleke has been returned as Governor-elect of Osun State.
In the assessment of 36 PEG, the renewed mandate is a reflection of governance, performance and service delivery.
Over the period, the Adeleke administration has placed significant emphasis on workers’ welfare. The consistent payment of salaries and pensions has helped restore confidence among civil servants and retirees.
There has also been visible progress in infrastructure. Road rehabilitation and construction projects have improved connectivity across the state, while attention has been given to education and healthcare facilities.
The administration has also introduced agricultural interventions aimed at supporting farmers and strengthening food security. Youth empowerment and skills acquisition programmes have equally received attention.
Most importantly, governance in Osun has increasingly become more people-centred, helping to reduce the distance between government and the citizens.
This approach is consistent with the governance model that 36 PEG advocates for replication across Nigeria’s 36 states.
Where government works, the people respond.
THE IMPERATIVE OF CONTINUITY
Elections are not merely about choosing leaders. They are also about determining whether progress should be sustained.
The people of Osun have spoken clearly in favour of continuity.
Interrupting an administration that is delivering at this stage, in our view, would amount to reversing gains that have required considerable effort and resources to achieve.
For the sake of stability, continuity and sustainable development, the mandate should be allowed to run its course.
36 PEG’S NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
This position is firmly aligned with the mandate of the 36 Political Elevation Group.
In May 2026, 36 PEG reactivated its structures across all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory to identify, support and promote credible, compassionate and people-oriented leadership.
Our engagements and activities have remained in the public domain.
We therefore congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and on the renewed mandate entrusted to him by the people of Osun State.
We equally commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the deployment of the IReV portal and for the transparent conduct of the electoral process, which has contributed to deepening public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.
We urge all stakeholders to support the Governor-elect as he prepares to continue the work of delivering good governance, development and improved welfare to the people of Osun State.
36 PEG further reaffirms its commitment to promoting patriotic and people-oriented leadership across Nigeria.
Our engagement in Kwara State remains firm. We do not abandon those we believe in.
REFLECTION AT 50
As my wife, Queen Folashade Arike, aptly observed:
“At 50, it is prime time. God is just handing you the pen to write the next chapter.”
That reflection carries a profound message.
As we celebrate this milestone, we pray that Governor Adeleke is equally granted the wisdom, strength and grace required to write the next chapter of growth, development and prosperity for Osun State.
To all those who participated in the Osun governorship contest, democracy has spoken.
You came with structures; the people came with their PVCs.
You came with strategy; the people came with their judgment.
The ballot has decided.
OSUN HAS SPOKEN. NIGERIA IS WATCHING. DEMOCRACY PREVAILS.
The 36 Political Elevation Group stands firmly with the people of Osun State and congratulates the Governor-elect on what it describes as a well-deserved victory.
The outcome serves as another reminder that political structures may mobilise, strategies may be deployed and powerful personalities may influence campaigns, but at the decisive moment, the power to choose rests with the people.
Democracy ultimately belongs to the electorate.
SIGNED
PRINCE DAN OLAITAN DADA
President and Convener, 36 Political Elevation Group (36 PEG)
Convener, Sanity Brand Ecosystem (SBES)
August 16, 2026
Building A Legacy Of Sanity
