Adeleke Frames Osun Election as a Choice Between Peace and ‘Tabon Tabon’ Politics
The Report
As reported by Waliu Adetokun of the Nigerian Tribune, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State declared on Monday that the people of the state have rejected violence and what he termed “tabon tabon” politics, positioning his administration as a beacon of peaceful leadership and good governance ahead of the August 15 governorship election. Speaking during a campaign visit to Iree, where he paid a courtesy call on the Aare of Iree, Oba Muritala Oyelakin, Adeleke was greeted by thousands of residents lining the streets. The governor asserted that the warm reception reflected widespread support for his “Imole” (light) agenda, contrasting it with the tactics of opponents he accused of resorting to violence rather than issue-based campaigning.
“Iree people have proved the naysayers wrong. Osun people, from town to town, have demonstrated their love for Imole. Those preaching ‘tabon tabon’ have been rejected by the people,” Adeleke said.
The governor further stated, “Light has entered Iree. Light has entered Osun. Darkness will never return. Good governance will be reaffirmed on August 15.” He also accused some politicians of “shooting and wounding innocent people instead of conducting peaceful campaigns.” The Aare of Iree, Oba Muritala Oyelakin, endorsed the governor, citing his respect for traditional institutions and developmental projects, including the Iree–Ada Road.
Nigeria Time News Analysis
From a governance and political strategy perspective, Governor Adeleke’s framing of the Osun election as a binary choice between “light” and “darkness” — or between peaceful development and violent, slogan-driven politics — is a calculated move to consolidate support among moderate and undecided voters. The “tabon tabon” slogan, which gained notoriety after a viral video showed an Iree chieftain chanting it following incidents of political violence, has become a potent symbol of the opposition’s alleged embrace of thuggery. By explicitly linking his opponents to this phrase, Adeleke is not merely campaigning on his record but also seeking to delegitimize their methods, a tactic that resonates deeply in a state where electoral violence has historically marred outcomes.
Looking at the broader ECOWAS implications, Osun’s election is a microcosm of a regional challenge: the tension between democratic consolidation and the persistence of political violence. Across West Africa, from Nigeria to Sierra Leone, elections are often flashpoints for instability. Adeleke’s emphasis on peaceful campaigns and his public rejection of violence align with the principles of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which mandates member states to ensure free, fair, and non-violent elections. If Osun’s election proceeds without major incidents, it could serve as a positive case study for regional bodies advocating for issue-based politics over strong-arm tactics.
For the Nigerian diaspora, particularly Osun indigenes abroad, this election is a litmus test for the state’s democratic maturity. Many diaspora members invest in home-state development projects and remit funds that depend on stable governance. Adeleke’s promise to continue investing in road infrastructure, education, and healthcare — if fulfilled — could strengthen diaspora confidence and encourage further economic engagement. Conversely, a return to violence or a disputed outcome risks alienating this critical constituency, which often serves as a buffer during economic downturns.
Regional Context
Historically, Osun State has experienced periods of intense political rivalry, particularly between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The 2022 governorship election, which Adeleke won after a legal battle, was marked by allegations of irregularities and post-election tensions. The “tabon tabon” controversy, emerging from a context of recent political violence, taps into a deeper anxiety about the weaponization of youth by political elites. In this light, Adeleke’s campaign rhetoric is not just about his record but about redefining the political culture of the state — a move that, if successful, could influence how other Nigerian states approach electioneering.
Original Reporting By:
Nigerian Tribune