*By Prof. M.K. 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 favour 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.
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.
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.
Dr. Abdulhadi Bawa Jibia
The piece on the Osun election is insightful and thought-provoking. The central message 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.
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.
Dr. Musab Ibrahim
As usual, in just a few paragraphs, you turned what many dismissed as a non-event into a subject worthy of national reflection. You have shown that serious political analysis need not be boring. 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.
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.
Jamilu Ibrahim
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Prof. Mohammed Khalid Othman (MNSE, MNIAE, MASABE, MISTRO), popularly known as M.K. Othman, is a Professor of Agriculture and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State. He writes on education, agriculture and national development.
_*Editor’s Note:* _The views expressed in this article are those of the author, Prof. M.K. Othman, and the readers whose comments are featured. They do not necessarily represent the position of this newspaper.__
