Atiku, Obi, others congratulate Adeleke, laud Osun voters

Ademola Adeleke has secured a second term as the Governor of Osun State, Nigeria, following his re-election in a closely contested gubernatorial race. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke, the candidate for the Accord party, the winner after he triumphed in 19 out of the state's 30 local government areas.

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The outcome of last Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Osun State is an expression of the wishes of the people, which has earned Governor Adeleke his re-election.

Adeleke's victory margin widened considerably compared to the 2022 election. He garnered 511,067 votes, surpassing his All Progressives Congress rival, Bola Oyebamiji, who received 444,815 votes. This resulted in a winning margin of 66,252 votes, a notable increase from the 28,344 votes that separated him from the incumbent APC governor in the previous election. The election also marked a significant political shift for Adeleke, who was elected in 2022 under the Peoples Democratic Party but contested his re-election on the Accord platform.

Following the declaration of results, prominent political figures extended their congratulations to Governor Adeleke. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso were among those who lauded the outcome. They also commended the voters of Osun State for actively participating and "defending their mandate" throughout the electoral process.

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The lesson from the election is that the voters in Osun State have set a good example of how we must come out in large numbers in the general elections next year.

Atiku Abubakar, in a statement, emphasized that Adeleke's re-election reflected the "wishes of the people" and served as a powerful example for future elections. He highlighted the voters' vigilance and active participation as the "best antidote to rigging, vote buying, and other electoral malpractice and irregularities." Abubakar also used the election results to criticize the ruling APC, suggesting it exposed growing dissatisfaction with the current administration, and alleged that the heavy security presence was an attempt to intimidate voters, which the electorate ultimately resisted.

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Another important lesson from the Osun election is that it is a clear manifestation of how the collective resolve of the electorate to stand firm to protect their ballot is the best antidote to rigging, vote buying and other electoral malpractice and irregularities.