OSUN ELECTIONS: GOV ADELEKE DEFEATS OPPONENTS WITH 511,067 VOTES, OBI, ATIKU CONGRATULATES HIM

Gov. Ademola Adeleke

Atiku Abubakar

Peter Obi

By Tony Udemba

The just concluded gubernatorial election in Osun State has come and gone, but there is one thing very significant that can not be ignored. That all important signpost is the indisputable fact that the Nigerian electorates are becoming much more responsive to the real fact that they are the ones that hold keys to political powers at all levels. They have now realised that they hold the proverbial politico dice into political offices, both at the presidential level, governorship level, states assembly and national assembly levels and even at the council level. At last, what happened at the just concluded Osun election, has clearly shown to the world about the growing sophistication and responsiveness of voters in Nigeri, starting from the people of Osun. These, no doubt, might be pointing to what the future might be at the upcoming 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

Reports from reiable sources reaching OhanaezeLagosNews, points to the fact that majority voters in Osun State were never bothered with the avalanche of intimidations and, financial and material inducements from some political quarters, rather they voted their conscience. The reality is the fact that average Osun voter who had accepted any form of inducement from certain politicians, might have done so simply because it was just a little part of they argued to be their own dividends of democracy, long withheld by some of these politicians. But, given the growing sophistication amongst voters these days, the Osun voters never allowed whatever grains of rice, packets of noodles, groundnut oil, cash gifts, and other freebies, to becloud their senses, and mislead their thoughts on whom they are going to entrust with their votes. No wonder majority of the voters , decided to caste their votes for the sweeping victory of the incumbent governor of the State, Ademola Adeleke.

With the official announcement from the INEC, declaring Gov Ademola Adeleke as the official winner of the 2026 Osun State Governorship election, the entire streets of Osogbo, the State capital, and indeed the entire Osun State, wenr agog in jubilation. Indeed everyone has been in celebration mood for the re-election of Gov. Ademola Adeleke, whom everyone refers to as the “dancing governor “.

Meanwhile the ADC presidential candidate has commended Osun voters for their participation in the election, describing their involvement as passionate and peaceful.

The former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 election, and his Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) counterpart, Peter Obi have congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, saying the result reflected the will and choice of the people.

Atiku, in his congratulatory message, said the outcome represented the choice made by the people of Osun at the ballot box.

“I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election as Governor of Osun State,” Atiku said.

“His victory demonstrates the choice of the people of Osun as expressed at the ballot box.”

The ADC presidential candidate also commended Osun voters for their participation in the election, describing their involvement as passionate and peaceful.

“I commend the people for their passion and peaceful participation,” he said.

Atiku further wished Adeleke continued success as he begins another term serving the people of the state.

Obi, in a statement following the election, warmly congratulated Adeleke and the people of Osun State, describing the result as an important democratic victory.

He said the election demonstrates that the people are the ultimate source of political power in a democracy, adding that Osun voters have spoken “with courage and clarity.”

“They – Osun people – have spoken with courage and clarity, reaffirming that the power to choose their leaders belongs to the people,” he said.

According to Obi, Adeleke’s commitment to the people, compassion for their needs and achievements in office contributed to his ability to secure a renewed mandate from the electorate.

“Through his commitment to the people, compassion for their needs, and the strength of his work and achievements in office, Governor Ademola Adeleke has earned their renewed confidence and been entrusted once again with their mandate,” he said.

Obi also commended youths in Osun State for what he described as their courageous role in peacefully defending their democratic mandate.

He said their vigilance and determination showed that citizens could protect the integrity of elections when they remained committed to ensuring that their votes counted.

Obi said the Osun election has provided an important lesson on the role of citizens in strengthening democracy, stressing that voters must remain alert and conscious of their civic responsibilities.

“The lesson from Osun is clear: democracy is strongest when citizens are alert, conscious of their civic responsibility, and determined to ensure that their votes count,” he said.

“Every genuine vote must be respected, and every lawful mandate must be protected.”

Obi further urged Nigerians to draw lessons from the Osun election ahead of the 2027 general elections, calling on citizens to remain informed, participate actively in the electoral process and protect their votes.

“The Nigerian people are the ones experiencing hunger, deprivation, insecurity, and hardship; therefore, they are also the ones with the power, through their votes, to bring about the change that will end these conditions,” Obi said.

He also called on political actors to prioritise the interests of Nigerians above partisan considerations and embrace peace, unity and the rule of law.

“I urge all political actors to place the interests of the people above partisan considerations and to embrace peace, unity, and the rule of law,” he said.

According to Obi, elections should be contests based on “ideas, competence, character and service” rather than violence.

He expressed hope that the Osun experience would strengthen Nigerians’ confidence in the democratic process and inspire citizens across the country to remain vigilant in the defence of their votes and democratic rights.

“May the Osun experience strengthen our confidence in the democratic process and inspire Nigerians everywhere to remain vigilant and committed to building a just, secure, prosperous, and truly people-centred nation,” he said.

The reactions from Atiku and Obi come amid broader political reactions to Adeleke’s victory, with the two opposition figures emphasising the significance of the ballot and the responsibility of political leaders to respect the wishes of voters.

While Obi used the outcome to urge Nigerians to remain vigilant ahead of 2027 and protect their votes, Atiku focused on the result as an expression of the choice of Osun voters.

Adeleke, the candidate of the Accord Party, was declared winner of the Osun State governorship election after securing 511,067 votes.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the final result during the collation of results in Osun State on Sunday morning.

Adeleke defeated the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Oyebanji, who polled 444,815 votes.