National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Dayo Israel, has explained why the party must learn from its defeat in the Osun State governorship election and review its strategy ahead of the 2027 general election.

Israel said the outcome of the election should prompt the APC to address its internal divisions, strengthen grassroots mobilisation and improve its engagement with young people rather than resort to blame-shifting.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party was declared the winner with 511,067 votes, defeating the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.

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In a statement on Sunday titled, “Osun Has Spoken: The Bitter Truth APC Must Hear Before 2027,” Israel said the result required “honest reflection” from the party.

He identified President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adeleke and Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, as three defining figures in the election.

Dayo Israel commended President Tinubu for allowing the people of Osun to make their choice, saying the President had demonstrated commitment to democratic processes even when the outcome was unfavourable to the APC.

On Adeleke, he said the governor’s grassroots connection and cultural identity contributed to his electoral success.

According to Israel, Adeleke’s accessibility, singing, dancing and public engagement helped him establish an emotional connection with voters.

“Politics is not only policy. It is emotion, identity, presence and belonging,” he said.

Israel also highlighted Davido’s role in youth mobilisation, saying the singer used his influence, networks, music and digital reach to connect the campaign with young voters.

He questioned whether the APC had enough young personalities capable of inspiring and mobilising the younger generation.

“Who are the Davidos in the APC?” he asked, urging the party to identify and empower young communicators, creatives, professionals, digital voices, campus leaders and community organisers.

Reflecting on the 2022 Osun governorship election, Israel said the APC’s defeat at the time was influenced by internal division, weak reconciliation and fragmented mobilisation.

He said some of the lessons from the previous election remained unaddressed, arguing that the party must strengthen its constitutional structures rather than rely on ad hoc arrangements during election periods.

Israel also said the National Youth Wing was not meaningfully engaged in the 2026 campaign, describing the situation as part of a broader institutional challenge within the party.

He called for greater involvement of the party’s youth and women wings in campaign planning and mobilisation, rather than using them primarily to provide crowds at rallies.

“A rally is not a ceremony. It is a mobilisation tool,” he said.

The APC youth leader further urged the party to give greater roles to local political leaders, community organisers, women mobilisers and youth coordinators, arguing that grassroots actors understand their communities and can connect with voters more effectively.

Israel identified internal division as another major challenge facing the party and called for reconciliation, accommodation and strategic engagement among members.

He also urged the APC to remain open to political dialogue and realignment, noting that political opponents could become allies in the future.

Looking ahead to 2027, Israel called for campaign councils to be established early, properly funded and given clear responsibilities, with mechanisms for accountability.

He urged the party to rebuild its internal institutions, reconcile its divisions and prioritise grassroots mobilisation.

“President Tinubu gave us a democratic contest. Governor Adeleke understood his people. Davido understood his generation,” Israel said.

“The question is whether the APC understands its own lesson.”

He described his intervention as a call for renewal rather than blame.

“Osun has spoken. The APC must now listen,” he added.