APC Youth Leader Dayo Israel Says Party Lost Osun Over Poor Grassroots Strategy

The All Progressives Congress has received a critical post-mortem from within its own ranks following its loss in the 2026 Osun State governorship election. Dr.

Dayo Israel, the party's National Youth Leader, has identified multiple internal failures that contributed to the defeat of APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji to incumbent Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party. Israel's assessment centres on three major weaknesses: insufficient grassroots mobilisation, divisions within the party structure, and an over-reliance on established political figures such as governors and senators.

He argued that depending solely on high-profile party members cannot deliver electoral victories. In his analysis, Israel also noted that the APC underestimated Adeleke's appeal to voters, overlooking how the governor's public personality—including his dancing, which had been subject to ridicule—functioned as a political asset that connected with the electorate.

Beyond internal party mechanics, Israel identified three personalities who shaped the election outcome: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Adeleke himself, and musician Davido. Each, according to Israel, played a distinct role in influencing the political environment surrounding the contest.

Israel has called for the APC to conduct a thorough and genuine assessment of what occurred in Osun rather than pursue blame-shifting or establish committees unlikely to produce concrete reforms. He framed this review as necessary preparation for the 2027 general elections.

The party has congratulated Adeleke on his second-term victory, though Israel's statements indicate internal debate continues over the strategic failures that led to the Osun outcome.