Dr. Dayo Israel, the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called for a comprehensive reassessment of the party's strategies following its defeat in the recent Osun State governorship election. The APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, lost to Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, who garnered 511,067 votes compared to Oyebamiji's 444,815 votes. Israel's remarks come in light of the election results, which he believes should serve as a wake-up call for the party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement titled "Osun Has Spoken: The Bitter Truth APC Must Hear Before 2027," Israel emphasized the importance of addressing internal divisions within the party. He pointed out that the APC must focus on strengthening grassroots mobilization and improving its engagement with young voters instead of shifting blame for the loss. The youth leader commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allowing the democratic process to unfold, even when it resulted in an unfavorable outcome for the APC.

Israel highlighted the significance of Adeleke's connection with the electorate, noting that his cultural identity and grassroots engagement played a pivotal role in his victory. He remarked on the emotional aspect of politics, stating, "Politics is not only policy. It is emotion, identity, presence and belonging." This emotional connection, he argued, was crucial in swaying voters in Adeleke's favor.

Furthermore, Israel acknowledged the influence of popular Afrobeats artist Davido in mobilizing young voters during the campaign. He questioned the APC's ability to connect with the youth, asking, "Who are the Davidos in the APC?" He urged the party to identify and empower young communicators and leaders who can resonate with the younger generation.

Reflecting on the previous election in 2022, Israel noted that the APC's defeat was largely due to internal fragmentation and a lack of effective reconciliation among party members. He stressed the need for the party to establish stronger constitutional structures rather than relying on temporary solutions during election periods. The National Youth Wing's limited involvement in the 2026 campaign was also cited as a significant oversight, which he believes is indicative of broader institutional challenges within the party.

Israel called for a proactive approach to campaign planning, advocating for the inclusion of the party's youth and women wings in meaningful roles rather than merely using them for crowd support at rallies. He emphasized that rallies should serve as tools for mobilization, not just ceremonial gatherings.

To prepare for the 2027 elections, Israel urged the APC to establish campaign councils early, ensure they are adequately funded, and define clear responsibilities with accountability mechanisms. He reiterated the need for reconciliation and strategic engagement among party members, suggesting that political opponents could potentially become allies in the future.

As he concluded his statement, Israel noted that the APC must learn from the lessons offered by the recent election results. He stated, "Osun has spoken. The APC must now listen," framing his message as a call for renewal rather than blame, urging the party to prioritize grassroots mobilization and rebuild its internal structures for future success.