Re: Beyond the Dance– Lessons from Osun 2026 for Nigeria 2027
By
Prof MK Othman
My 2-part article titled “Beyond the Dance: Lessons from Osun 2026 for Nigeria 2027,” published in this column on September 23, 2026, was a vivid account of the political experimentation surrounding the 2027 general election. Governor Adeleke acts as a master entertainer at public gatherings, always swinging his legs and arms, dancing to amuse his audience. Given the circumstances surrounding the election before the votes were cast, predictions were not in favor of the incumbent governor, yet the outcomes surprised everyone. Out of sportsmanship, the results were accepted without the usual threat of challenging them in court.
My readers commented on the article and shared their views, which I am sharing to offer broader perspectives on the issue. Happy reading
Prof. Othman’s article on the Osun election is thoughtful and refreshing. Prof., I appreciate how you moved beyond the political noise to emphasize that leaders should be judged by their performance, accountability, and impact on the people, not by personality, party, ethnicity, or religion.
The Obasanjo dancing anecdote was a lovely touch that made the message more relatable. Thank you for sharing such an engaging perspective on Osun 2026 and its potential lessons for 2027. I look forward to the continuation. Well done, Prof. M. K. Othman
Usman Dalha Kankia
Please accept my greetings, Prof. Othman. What a profoundly insightful and intellectually arresting piece, Prof. Sir! Your masterful fusion of political sociology, electoral analysis, civic consciousness, and rhetorical sophistication transforms the Osun election from a mere political spectacle into a compelling lesson in democratic accountability.
You have brilliantly transcended the superficiality of political caricature to foreground performance, voter rationality, and the imperative to hold public officeholders accountable. The prose is incisive, elegant, and thought-provoking, striking an exceptional balance between empirical reflection and narrative artistry. This is a truly erudite and consequential contribution to Nigeria’s democratic discourse. We eagerly await the continuation.
Dr Hassan A. Birchi
Well articulated and praiseworthy!! The election proved that the massive deployment of political heavyweights, state governors, or federal influence cannot easily override a determined electorate. Consequently, credible conduct by electoral umpires like INEC and security agencies can build public confidence and stabilize the democratic space of a nation, indeed Nigeria. Nigerians can make democracy work in Nigeria.
Dr Abdulhadi Bawa Jibia
The piece on the Osun election, written by the able Prof. M. K. Othman, is insightful and thought-provoking. The central message goes beyond the Osun election; it reminds us that leadership should be judged by performance, accountability, and the impact of governance on ordinary citizens, not by personality, appearance, ethnicity, religion, or political propaganda.
The “dance” analogy is especially compelling. It reminds us that personal style should not overshadow the substance of leadership. As we approach 2027, Nigerians need to look beyond political slogans and carefully examine the records, policies, character, and measurable achievements of candidates for public office. Thank you, Sir…
Dr Sada Ibrahim Tsanni
Your analysis goes beyond the immediate excitement of Osun 2026, highlighting the deeper lessons Nigerians should consider ahead of 2027. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on performance, accountability, voter responsibility, and the need to look beyond party slogans and personalities. A very insightful column, as always. More power to your pen, Sir.
Dr Musab Ibrahim
Assalamu alaikum, Prof. Sir. Well done on this engaging piece, Prof. Sir. As usual, in just a few paragraphs, you turned what many dismissed as a non-event into a subject worthy of national reflection ahead of the 2027 national election. You have shown that serious political analysis need not be boring. Your blend of humor, personal experience, and political insight is excellent. You have defended objectivity over sentiment and provoked thought about what truly defines leadership beyond the dance. This is a worthy piece that deserves to be read widely.
Again, you moved from anecdote to analysis and turned the Osun 2026 election into a national classroom for the 2027 national election. This is public intellectualism at its best. You have refused to engage in partisan cheerleading and to lapse into intellectual silence. You have taken a much-mocked “dance” and drawn serious lessons on party power, federal neutrality, vote buying, and voter sovereignty. You reminded us that in the ballot cubicle, money, convoys, and godfathers disappear, and sovereignty becomes personal. Your neutrality, your insistence on evidence over theater, and your plea to examine the balance sheet before the music are a timely guide for Nigeria as we head to 2027. This is excellent work, Prof., and deserves wide circulation. Thank you very much. And congratulations, Sir.
Prof. A. U. Yusuf
A very insightful piece, Sir. Beyond the personal experience, I found it a powerful reminder that traveling abroad can deepen one’s appreciation of home and reveal both the strengths and challenges of our society. Your reflections on Nigerian identity, dignity, and our responsibilities to one another are particularly thought-provoking.
Jamilu Ibrahim