Monday Okpebholo, Edo State governor, has thrust Governor Ademola Adeleke’s trademark dancing back to the centre of political discourse in the build-up to the August 15 Osun governorship election, signalling what appears to be the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) latest strategy to frame the election as a referendum on the incumbent’s style of leadership.
BusinessDay reports that many Nigerians now popularly refer to Adeleke as the “Dancing Governor” because of his penchant for breaking into dance at public events and official functions, a trademark that has become a defining feature of his public image.
With barely nine days to the poll, the campaign has shifted from policy debates to personality politics, as APC leaders increasingly portray Adeleke’s public dance displays as evidence of unserious governance, while the governor insists the criticism is politically motivated and unrelated to his performance in office.
Speaking at an APC campaign rally for Bola Oyebamiji, the party’s governorship candidate, Okpebholo repeatedly mocked Adeleke’s dancing, arguing that it had overshadowed governance throughout his tenure.
“Before somebody signs paper, he will dance. Are you not tired? For four years, this man has been dancing. Before he takes breakfast, before he drinks tea, he will dance,” Okpebholo told supporters.
