Former presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Senate President Bukola Saraki have separately praised Osun voters for re-electing Governor Ademola Adeleke. Both former national political figures emphasised citizens’ vigilance in protecting their votes as a significant lesson from the governorship election.
Obi, in a statement titled “Osun: When the People Stand, Democracy Wins,” described Adeleke’s victory as an affirmation of the people’s right to choose their leaders, while Saraki said the governor’s return was a testament to the electorate’s assessment of his four-year stewardship.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke of the Accord Party winner of Saturday’s election after he secured 511,067 votes, defeating his closest challenger, All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes. Adeleke won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji took 11.
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Obi placed particular emphasis on the conduct of young voters and credited Osun youths with peacefully defending the electoral mandate.
He said, “I particularly commend the courageous youths of Osun who rose to the occasion and peacefully defended their democratic mandate.’”
He added that their vigilance showed the importance of citizens taking responsibility for the protection of their ballots.
This assessment of his gave the election a significance beyond the result itself. Obi said the experience demonstrated that democracy derives its strength from citizens who are informed, conscious of their civic responsibilities, and prepared to ensure their votes count.
Saraki: Adeleke has earned renewed confidence
Saraki, who described Adeleke as his “dear brother and friend”, took a similar view of the electorate’s role but focused more closely on the governor’s performance in office.
Saraki said, “The people of Osun have spoken, and they have spoken clearly.”
He noted that voters had four years to assess Adeleke’s administration, compare its promises with its performance and decide whether he deserved another term.
“There can be no greater vote of confidence for a leader than the freely expressed verdict of the people he serves,” the former Senate President added.
Saraki also commended Osun residents who participated in the election and defended their votes. He asserted that elections in which citizens’ choices are freely expressed, accurately counted and respected constitute important gains for democratic governance.
His remarks also placed responsibility on Adeleke following his re-election. Saraki said the renewed mandate carried an obligation for the governor to consolidate the work of his first term and use his second tenure to build a stronger and more prosperous Osun.
Obi links Osun result to 2027
Obi used the election to draw attention to the 2027 general elections. He then called on Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process and protect their ballots.
He said Nigerians experiencing hunger, deprivation, insecurity, and hardship possess, through their votes, the constitutional means to demand political change.
The former Anambra State governor also called on political actors to place public interest ahead of partisan considerations and conduct future contests within the bounds of peace and the rule of law.
To Obi, elections should be contests over “ideas, competence, character, and service”, rather than confrontations marked by violence.
He concluded that the Osun experience should strengthen public confidence in democratic participation and encourage Nigerians to take a more active role in determining the country’s political direction ahead of 2027.
“A New Nigeria is POssible,” Obi declared.
Saraki, meanwhile, wished Adeleke well in his second term and expressed confidence that the governor would use the renewed mandate to justify the trust placed in him by Osun voters.
