Osun victory, demonstration of people’s power- Ex-APC chieftain

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A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Timi Frank, has described Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory in the Osun State governorship election as a strong demonstration of the power of the electorate and a warning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Frank, in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, said the outcome of Saturday’s election showed that voters could withstand political pressure, intimidation and other challenges when determined to defend their choices at the ballot box.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, winner of the election after he secured 511,067 votes, defeating the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes. Adeleke’s margin of victory was 66,252 votes.

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Reacting to the result, Frank said the outcome should serve as an important signal to political parties and candidates preparing for the 2027 presidential election.

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He said President Bola Tinubu and other political actors should not assume that electoral outcomes had already been determined, stressing that the ultimate decision rested with Nigerian voters.

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“Nigerian people who will decide his fate through the power of their votes,” he said.

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Frank, who is also the United Liberation Movement for West Papua Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, called on opposition political parties to put aside their differences and work towards a common strategy ahead of 2027.

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According to him, the Osun result shows that a coordinated opposition could pose a serious challenge to the ruling APC if voters remain engaged and political parties build effective structures.

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He urged Nigerians, particularly voters, to remain vigilant throughout the electoral process, saying participation should not end with casting ballots.

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“Let 2027 not be business as usual. They must vote, stay, and see their votes counted, just as they have done in Osun,” Frank added.

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He commended the people of Osun State for what he described as their political ingenuity, particularly their ability to resist inducements and still vote according to their conscience.

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“I commend the people of Osun for this new political ingenuity, where money is taken, yet still voted for the candidate of their choice. After all, the money belongs to us as citizens, as it was taken from government coffers,” he said.

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The Osun election was held on Saturday, with Adeleke seeking a second term after securing the governorship in 2022. His latest victory widens the margin by which he defeated the APC compared with the 2022 contest, according to an analysis of the result.

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Frank urged Nigerians to remain peaceful while defending their votes through lawful and democratic means, particularly in the face of what he described as alleged harassment and intimidation during elections.

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He also commended Nigerian music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, for his interest in electoral matters and urged young Nigerians and celebrities to become more actively involved in the democratic process.

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“Going into 2027, I call on Nigerian youths and celebrities alike to borrow a leaf from Davido, as this is not the time to sit on the fence. Nigeria belongs to all of us,” he said.

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Frank congratulated Adeleke, his supporters and the people of Osun State, describing the election as another reminder of the importance of citizens’ participation in democracy.

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He urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the electoral process, arguing that political power ultimately belonged to the people and that elected leaders should reflect the will of the electorate.

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“As we look towards 2027, let us remain peaceful, vigilant, informed, and determined. Let us encourage one another to participate actively in the electoral process and to defend our votes through lawful and democratic means.

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“The time has come for Nigerians to believe again. The time has come for the people to rise, vote, and protect their votes. The time has come to choose wisely,” he added.

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He noted that the Osun election should encourage greater participation in the 2027 elections and inspire Nigerians to work towards building a political system that serves the interests of citizens.

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