By Okeke Eunice
The Osun Unity Forum, a support group within the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has revealed plans to use a strategy similar to that employed by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to unseat Governor Ademola Adeleke in the 2026 governorship election.
At a press briefing held at the Osun APC State Secretariat in Osogbo, the group’s convener, Abimbola Amusan, explained that the APC would focus on mobilizing new voters and students, mirroring Trump’s approach in the U.S. to defeat Vice President Kamala Harris in the November presidential election.
Amusan outlined a plan to engage voters who will turn 18 before the election, emphasizing, “Every four years, new individuals reach voting age, and these are the demographics we aim to target.”
“Let me provide an example from American politics: Donald Trump became the U.S. President in part because he successfully appealed to young voters entering college. This demonstrates the importance of this emerging group of voters.
“Therefore, our focus is on rallying this demographic to support the APC ahead of the 2026 governorship election. While I can’t give precise figures, we are aiming to secure substantial backing from this group.”
He added that efforts would be made to help young people understand that they have a significant role to play in the country’s political landscape.
“The youth are the best group to provide the right orientation on political affiliations. We will adopt a technocratic approach to help them understand that politics is not merely a spectacle, but an intellectual pursuit where they can make meaningful contributions as voters,” he stated.
Amusan also mentioned that his group would fully back whichever candidate is selected as the APC flagbearer, noting that the group’s activities are financed by dedicated APC members committed to regaining power in Osun.
He expressed confidence that party elders would offer guidance when the time is right.
However, in an interview with a national television, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Kolapo Alimi, dismissed the APC forum’s plans as ineffective.
Alimi asserted that the 2026 governorship election would be an easy victory for Adeleke, citing his performance in office over the past two years.
“We have infrastructure projects spread across the state, and when the time comes for re-election, it will be a walkover for the governor, I can assure you,” Alimi said. “They can keep dreaming.”