Osun Election: When the people stand, democracy wins — Peter Obi

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The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election, saying the outcome of the governorship election demonstrated the power of citizens to determine their leaders through the ballot.

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Obi, in a statement posted on his X handle on Sunday, also commended Osun voters, particularly youths, for what he described as their vigilance and determination to protect their votes during the election.

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He said the people of Osun had spoken with “courage and clarity” by renewing Adeleke’s mandate.

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“I warmly congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and the good people of Osun State on this important democratic victory,” Obi said.

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He said Adeleke had earned the confidence of the electorate through his commitment to the people, compassion for their needs, and achievements in office.

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Obi particularly praised youths in the state for peacefully defending what he described as their democratic mandate.

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“Their vigilance and determination demonstrate that when citizens stand firmly to protect their votes, the forces of good can overcome the forces of darkness,” he said.

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According to him, the Osun election had provided an important lesson about the strength of democracy when citizens remain active and conscious of their civic responsibilities.

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“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.

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

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He said Nigerians experiencing hunger, deprivation, insecurity and economic hardship also possessed the power to change their circumstances through the ballot.

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“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,” he said.

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The former presidential candidate also urged political actors to place the interests of Nigerians above partisan considerations and embrace peace, unity and the rule of law.

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He said elections should not be treated as battles of violence but as contests based on ideas, competence, character and service.

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Obi expressed hope that the Osun experience would strengthen Nigerians’ confidence in the democratic process and inspire citizens across the country to remain vigilant and committed to building what he described as a just, secure, prosperous and people-centred nation.

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“A New Nigeria is POssible,” he added.

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