Political economist and former presidential candidate, Professor Pat Utomi, has described the outcome of the 2026 Osun State governorship election as proof that “every evil has an expiry date.”

Utomi made the remark while reacting to the victory of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke of the Accord Party winner of the election after he polled 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes.

Adeleke won in 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11.

Reacting to the development, Utomi said the election had demonstrated that political power could change hands when citizens become determined to make their voices heard.

He also warned political leaders against ignoring the anger, hardship and frustrations confronting Nigerians.

According to him, leaders who become disconnected from the realities of the people and rely on what he described as their own propaganda could face serious consequences at the polls.

Utomi said, “If Osun elections proved a point, it is that evil has an expiry date and that even the unworthy can be used to stop the train.”

He further stressed the importance of righteousness and responsible leadership in building a better Nigeria.

The political economist’s comments come amid growing political discussions over the significance of the Osun election ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adeleke’s victory has also intensified conversations about voter behaviour, electoral competition and the ability of opposition forces to challenge established political structures.

With the election concluded, attention is now expected to shift towards how the governor uses his renewed mandate to address the concerns of Osun residents and deliver on his promises.

For Utomi, however, the major lesson from the election is that political leaders should not take the people’s support for granted, as electoral power ultimately rests with the electorate.