You’re Foolish, Delusional If You Think Osun Election Will Be Replicated In 2027 — Rufai Oseni

Arise Television’s The Morning Show anchor, Rufai Oseni, has warned Nigerians against assuming that the outcome of the 2026 Osun State governorship election will be replicated in the 2027 general elections.

Oseni said the political and security dynamics of the 2027 elections would be significantly different, warning that the federal might deployed during the Osun governorship poll could be deployed on a larger scale in the next general elections.

Speaking on Monday, the broadcaster said his warnings ahead of the Osun election were not intended to frighten voters but to prepare them for the risks and challenges associated with the electoral process.

“Last week, when I was telling the people the challenges they would face, it was not to scare them. No, I believe in telling the people the truth so that they know how to react to dangers,” Oseni said.

He explained that his approach was based on assessing and communicating potential risks to voters without attempting to “sugarcoat” the situation.

“Yes, same risk assessment. I like to say it the way it is. Tell them the risks involved, and I think it worked for the Osun people because they knew the risks involved. Don’t sugarcoat it for them,” he added.

Oseni cautioned Nigerians against drawing confidence from the outcome of the Osun election, stressing that the 2027 general elections would present a different set of circumstances.

“Just like I’m going to tell the Nigerian people the risks involved. If you think because Osun people stood up, it will be easy in 2027, you are foolish. You are delusional,” he warned.

According to him, political actors could learn from the shortcomings of the strategies deployed during the Osun election and potentially strengthen their approach ahead of the 2027 polls.

“2027 is going to be different from Osun. The federal might that they used and couldn’t execute, they will use it three times over. They will go back to the drawing board and try to perfect it,” Oseni said.

His comments came a day after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Accord Party candidate Ademola Adeleke winner of the Osun State governorship election.

The outcome of the election has generated discussions about the implications of the Osun result for Nigeria’s broader political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Oseni, however, urged Nigerians not to interpret the Osun outcome as a guarantee of what lies ahead, insisting that voters must remain conscious of the potential risks and challenges that could shape the next electoral cycle.