Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said he deliberately allowed his political opponents to underestimate him, claiming the strategy helped him achieve in three and a half years what the All Progressives Congress (APC) could not accomplish in 12 years.
Adeleke made the statement during an interview from 15:32 on Channels Television on Monday, August 17, 2026, while discussing his administration’s performance and his victory in the Osun State governorship election.
Explaining his approach, Adeleke said, “I like people to underrate me. While you underrate me, I hit you from the back. That was what really happened. So before they knew what was going on, what APC in Osun could not achieve in 12 years, I already achieved it in 3 and half years.”
The governor said his decision to allow people to underestimate him worked to his advantage, particularly because some critics focused on his public personality and dancing.
According to Adeleke, while his opponents underestimated his ability to govern, his administration remained focused on delivering projects and programmes across the state.
He said the achievements of his administration eventually became evident before his critics fully understood the direction his government was taking.
Adeleke maintained that his performance in office played a role in the support he received from residents during the governorship election.
The governor said his administration focused on areas that directly affect residents, including infrastructure and public services.
He also expressed confidence that the achievements recorded during his first term helped voters assess his administration before deciding on the outcome of the election.
Adeleke secured another term as governor after winning the Osun State governorship election, extending his administration’s tenure in the state.
His comments also highlight his belief that his public image should not be used as a measure of his ability to govern.
The governor said his administration’s results ultimately provided evidence of what it had achieved during its first term.
He maintained that while opponents were focused on underestimating him, his government was working to deliver on its promises to the people of Osun State.