It was a carnival of colours and conviction on Monday (yesterday) in Osogbo as the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State played host to one of its foremost governorship hopefuls, Kunle Rasheed Adegoke, fondly called K-Rad, who formally declared his intention to contest the 2026 gubernatorial election.
From the early hours of the morning, party faithfuls, artisans, market women, youths, and members of the Okada Riders Association trooped out in their numbers. Chants, drumming, singing, and dancing filled the air as the excited crowd gathered at KRad’s campaign office in Alekuwodo. From there, a massive procession snaked its way through the streets of Osogbo to the party’s state secretariat at Ogo Oluwa.
The atmosphere was electric. Banners fluttered in the wind, placards bearing bold inscriptions of support were hoisted high, and party paraphernalia painted the city in a symphony of the APC’s colours. By the time KRad’s entourage arrived, the crowd had swelled into thousands, spilling beyond the gates of the secretariat.
At the party headquarters, KRad was received warmly by the Osun State APC Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, alongside other members of the State Executive Committee. Elders of the party, grassroots mobilisers, and key stakeholders stood in solidarity as the man of the moment took the stage.
Speaking with the composure and clarity that have become his hallmark, KRad delivered a vision-driven address that outlined his blueprint for a new Osun State. He lamented the state’s current “epileptic” development pace, promising a strategic turnaround that would place Osun on the map as a centre of agricultural, industrial, and intellectual excellence.
On agriculture, KRad painted a vivid picture:
“Osun has over 300,000 hectares of arable land—much of it untouched. With the right investment, irrigation systems, mechanised farming, and cooperative-driven funding, we can transform this land into a food powerhouse, feeding not only Osun but also neighbouring states. We will create agricultural value chains that produce, process, and export, thereby generating wealth for our people and employment for our youths.”
Turning to mining, KRad reminded the audience that Osun is naturally blessed with mineral resources that are, in his words, “waiting to be tapped in a structured, sustainable, and corruption-free way.” He pledged to introduce world-class mining practices, leveraging global best standards to ensure transparency, environmental safety, and local participation in the lucrative sector.
In tourism, KRad spoke of reviving the state’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions:
“From the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove to our scenic hills, rivers, and festivals, we will create tourism circuits that draw visitors from across the world. With proper infrastructure, security, and marketing, tourism can become one of the main pillars of our economy.”
The educational sector was another focal point of his speech. KRad promised a radical overhaul aimed at making Osun’s schools globally competitive:
Teacher retraining programmes
Investment in modern laboratories and ICT infrastructure
Strengthening vocational education
Partnership with global institutions for curriculum development
In a show of sportsmanship, KRad acknowledged that all APC aspirants were his “brothers in the struggle” and pledged to support whoever emerged as the party’s candidate in the primaries, reaffirming his loyalty to the party’s unity and ultimate victory in 2026.
When the floor opened for responses, APC Chairman Sooko Tajudeen Lawal lauded KRad’s “intelligence, clarity, and coherent articulation” of his development strategy, describing it as “a breath of fresh air.” He commended the people of Osogbo for producing a son of such calibre and prayed for divine favour on KRad’s political journey.
Other party leaders echoed similar sentiments, describing KRad as a disciplined, principled, and visionary politician whose commitment to Osun’s growth was beyond question.
By the time the event drew to a close, the secretariat was still bubbling with excitement. Supporters sang victory songs, danced to live drums, and waved their banners with renewed enthusiasm. Indeed, it was not just a declaration—it was a celebration, a movement, and the public unveiling of a purpose-driven ambition that may well define Osun’s political discourse in the months to come.