The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in the 2027 presidential election, Peter Obi, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election, describing the victory as a major achievement for democracy.
Obi said the outcome of the election showed the power of the people and demonstrated that citizens could influence the direction of government when they actively participate in the electoral process.
The former Anambra State governor made his position known in a statement titled, “Osun: When the People Stand, Democracy Wins,” issued after Adeleke was declared the winner of the governorship election.
He said the people of Osun State had spoken clearly through their votes, adding that the election had again shown that the right to choose leaders belongs to the people.
According to Obi, Adeleke’s renewed mandate reflected what he described as the governor’s commitment to the people, concern for their needs and achievements recorded during his first term in office.
He also praised the people of Osun for participating in the election and particularly commended youths in the state for what he described as their peaceful defence of the democratic process.
Obi said the conduct of the youths showed that citizens could protect their votes without resorting to violence.
He stated that the Osun experience had provided an important lesson for the country ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying democracy could only remain strong when citizens were informed, alert and ready to take their civic responsibilities seriously.
The NDC presidential candidate said every legitimate vote should be respected and every lawful electoral mandate protected.
According to him, citizens should not leave the protection of their votes entirely to political parties or electoral officials but should also play an active role in ensuring that their votes count.
He said the outcome in Osun should encourage Nigerians to take greater interest in elections and the political process.
Obi urged Nigerians to remain informed, participate actively in elections and, most importantly, protect their votes.
He argued that Nigerians were the ones facing the effects of the country’s economic and security challenges and therefore had the power to influence the direction of the country through their votes.
The former governor listed hunger, deprivation, insecurity and hardship among the major challenges confronting Nigerians.
He said citizens should use elections to demand better leadership and hold elected officials accountable for their actions and performance.
Obi’s call comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum across the country.
Political parties and politicians have already started positioning themselves for the next presidential and other elections, with issues such as the economy, security, unemployment and the cost of living expected to dominate political campaigns.
The Osun governorship election was closely watched because of the political importance of the state and the contest between the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress.
Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, secured another term after defeating the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Adeleke the winner after he secured 511,067 votes from 19 local government areas, while Oyebamiji polled 444,815 votes from 11 local government areas.
The result gave Adeleke a margin of 66,252 votes over his closest rival.
The election was significant for the Accord Party because Osun is one of the South-West states where the party has maintained a strong political presence.
Adeleke’s victory also strengthened his political position as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the outcome, Obi said political actors should learn from the election and put the interests of Nigerians above partisan considerations.
He called on politicians to embrace peace, unity and the rule of law, stressing that elections should not be treated as opportunities for violence or political confrontation.
According to him, electoral contests should be based on ideas, competence, character and service to the people.
Obi warned against practices that could undermine public confidence in elections, saying the credibility of the democratic process depended on respect for the wishes of voters.
He also urged Nigerians not to become passive participants in politics.
The NDC candidate said citizens should understand that their votes could determine who governs them and how public resources are managed.
He maintained that political change could only happen when Nigerians became more active in the electoral process.
The former governor has repeatedly advocated greater citizen participation in elections and stronger accountability by elected officials.
His latest comments also fit into his wider message ahead of the 2027 presidential election, where he is expected to campaign on issues including good governance, economic reform, security and improved public services.
Obi contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party and came third, behind the APC candidate, Bola Tinubu, and the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
He later left the Labour Party and joined the NDC, where he is expected to contest the 2027 presidential election.
With the next general elections approaching, political parties are expected to intensify their mobilisation and campaign activities across the country.
Obi said the Osun election should strengthen Nigerians’ confidence in democracy rather than deepen political divisions.
He expressed hope that the experience would encourage citizens in other parts of the country to remain vigilant and committed to the democratic process.
He said Nigerians should work towards building a country that is just, secure, prosperous and centred on the needs of its people.
The former governor also appealed to political leaders to accept the importance of peaceful elections and respect the rule of law.
He said political power should ultimately be used to improve the lives of citizens rather than serve the interests of individuals or political groups.
Obi’s congratulatory message to Adeleke therefore went beyond the Osun governorship election, with the NDC candidate using the outcome to renew his call for active citizenship ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged Nigerians to see elections as an opportunity to shape the future of the country and to ensure that their votes are respected.
According to him, the main lesson from Osun is that democracy works best when citizens are informed, participate fully and remain determined to defend their lawful choices.