Osun APC Plans to Mobilize Youth Voters for 2026 Election

The Osun Unity Forum, a faction within the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has announced a bold strategy to unseat Governor Ademola Adeleke in the upcoming 2026 governorship election.

Drawing inspiration from Donald Trump’s successful campaign tactics in the United States, the group aims to target young, first-time voters and students. Abimbola Amusan, the convener of the forum, emphasized the importance of engaging new voters who will turn 18 before the election, a strategy he believes will help shift the political landscape in Osun.

Amusan explained that every four years, a new group of young people enters the voting age, and his group plans to focus on mobilizing this demographic. He drew a parallel with Donald Trump’s appeal to college students in the U.S. during his election campaigns, noting how crucial the youth vote was in his victory. The forum intends to replicate this strategy by rallying young people behind the APC, believing their collective support could play a decisive role in the 2026 election.

The forum’s plan involves educating young voters about the importance of their participation in the democratic process. Amusan stated that a “technocratic approach” would be used to enlighten youths about politics, encouraging them to view it as an intellectual pursuit where they can make meaningful contributions. The group aims to shift perceptions, demonstrating that politics is not just about rallies but about shaping the future through informed engagement.

Despite the ambitious plans outlined by the Osun Unity Forum, the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) remains confident in Governor Adeleke’s re-election prospects. Osun State’s Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, dismissed the APC’s efforts as unrealistic. He confidently predicted that the 2026 election would be an easy victory for Adeleke, citing the governor’s achievements over the past two years, particularly in infrastructure development across the state.