REPORT: Osun voters want next governor to prioritise education, jobs, economy

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

As Osun State prepares for the August 15, 2026, governorship election, expectations are rising among residents eager to see who will emerge as the state’s next leader. To gauge public opinion, Western Post spoke with residents from different walks of life, including students, workers and civil society advocates.

While political parties continue to canvass for votes, many residents say they are looking beyond campaign promises. They want a governor who is honest, people-centred and committed to creating jobs, improving the economy, strengthening education and implementing policies that will directly improve people’s lives. They also appealed to political actors to ensure a peaceful election.

For Favour Adebowale, a student, the qualities that matter most in the next governor are integrity, competence and vision. She said the state’s highest office requires someone who listens to the people, governs transparently and remains committed to fulfilling campaign promises.

“The next governor should be someone who listens to the people, who is transparent and dedicated to enhancing the welfare of every citizen, in addition to fulfilling campaign pledges,” she said.

Adebowale urged the next administration to focus on job creation, youth empowerment, quality education, healthcare and infrastructure while ensuring prompt payment of workers’ salaries and pensions. She also stressed the need to create an environment that attracts investment into the state.

She added that her choice at the polls would depend on a candidate’s honesty, competence, track record and commitment to transparency.

“My decision will be based on the candidate’s honesty, competence, background and strategies for dealing with the state’s problems. In addition, I will take into account the candidate’s performance history, dedication to openness and readiness to prioritise the needs of the people over politics,” she said.

She also appealed to governorship candidates to run issue-based campaigns and avoid violence or inflammatory rhetoric.

“They should prioritise the needs of the Osun people above their own political or personal goals,” she added.

Another resident, Mr Damola Ayeni, said the next governor must understand the realities facing ordinary people, particularly those in rural communities. He argued that meaningful development can only be achieved by strengthening local economies and creating opportunities beyond the major towns.

To tackle youth unemployment, Ayeni called on the incoming administration to pursue partnerships with developed countries that could stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities for young people.

He also urged politicians not to sacrifice peace in the pursuit of victory.

“The candidates should be God-fearing. They should not harm innocent people or involve themselves in illegality because they want to win the election,” he said.

A teacher, Mr Tunde Qadri, said the next governor should be judged by the ability to improve the state’s economy and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. He believes Osun has the potential to become a major commercial hub if the right policies are implemented.

“The incoming governor should endeavour to make Osun a business hub—a state that will have multiple streams of income generation and where businesses of different kinds can thrive,” he said.

Qadri said a candidate’s achievements and manifesto would guide his decision at the polls. He also urged residents to accept the outcome of the election peacefully.

“It’s an election, not a war. Whoever emerges as the winner should be supported,” he said.

The Executive Director of the Socio-Economic and Civic Rights Advocacy (SECRA), Olowu Emmanuel, said the next governor should place greater emphasis on human capital development, technical education and social welfare.

“I look forward to having a governor who genuinely has the interests of the common people at heart. The next governor should be people-oriented, compassionate, transparent and committed to implementing programmes that have a direct and measurable impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.

“By direct impact, I mean policies that increase the per capita income of the people, create sustainable employment opportunities, promote entrepreneurship and invest significantly in capacity development and skills acquisition. The government should focus on improving the quality of life of every resident of Osun State.”

Emmanuel also called for the implementation of the Skill-G Programme in technical schools, the establishment of mechatronics centres to equip young people with modern vocational skills, and the strengthening of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare. He further advocated a stronger Family Court and expanded social intervention programmes to protect vulnerable and abandoned children.

He said his vote would be determined by the vision and programmes of the political parties, while urging all governorship candidates to embrace peace before, during and after the election, stressing that the overall interest of Osun State should come before personal ambition.