Osun poll passed test of free, fair, credible election, Afenifere

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization Afenifere has declared that the recent Osun State governorship election successfully passed the test of a free, fair, and credible electoral process. The group lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its performance in conducting the election.

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The Osun State governorship election was an affirmation of the supremacy of the will and power of the people in a democracy, as unequivocally demonstrated by the people of Osun State.

In a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Chief Sola Ebiseni, Afenifere emphasized that the Osun election affirmed the supremacy of the people's will in a democracy. The organization noted the significant voter turnout, which surpassed one million voters, and highlighted the electorate's determination to ensure their votes were counted. Ebiseni expressed pride in the Yoruba people's culture of defending their political rights, a tradition he stated is historically established long before British colonialism.

Afenifere congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, acknowledging that expectations will be higher as he seeks to fulfill the confidence placed in him by the state's populace. However, the organization also issued a cautionary note, stating that "it cannot be uhuru until our country joins the league of nations where the credibility of the electoral process is beyond anxiety each election season." This sentiment points towards the ongoing need for continuous improvement and sustained credibility leading up to the 2027 general elections.

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We are proud of them for keeping aloft a culture of defending their political rights for which the Yoruba people are known, not only in Nigeria but also as firmly established in history long before British colonialism.

The organization's assessment provides a positive outlook on the electoral process in Osun State, underscoring the importance of credible elections for democratic consolidation in Nigeria. The commendation of INEC suggests a step forward in building trust in the electoral system, though Afenifere's call for sustained credibility highlights the work still needed.

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it cannot be uhuru until our country joins the league of nations where the credibility of the electoral process is beyond anxiety each election season, with all eyes and minds on the 2027 general elections.