Presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Party, Peter Obi, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election, describing the outcome of the governorship election as a victory for democracy and the people.
Obi, in a statement, also commended the people of Osun State for what he described as their courage and determination to defend their democratic mandate.
He said the election demonstrated that the power to choose political leaders ultimately belonged to the electorate, adding that Adeleke had earned the renewed confidence of voters through his performance and commitment to the people.
“I warmly congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and the good people of Osun State on this important democratic victory,” Obi said.
According to him, the outcome of the election showed that the people of Osun had spoken with “courage and clarity” by reaffirming their constitutional right to determine who governs them.
Obi attributed Adeleke’s victory to his alleged commitment to the people, understanding of their needs and achievements recorded during his first term in office.
He said the governor’s renewed mandate reflected the confidence placed in him by the electorate.
The former Anambra State governor also singled out young people in Osun State for commendation, praising them for actively participating in the electoral process and peacefully defending what he described as their democratic mandate.
“I particularly commend the courageous youths of Osun who rose to the occasion and peacefully defended their democratic mandate,” he said.
Obi argued that the development offered an important lesson about the role of citizens in strengthening democracy, stressing that elections should not end with casting ballots but should also involve vigilance to ensure that votes are properly counted and respected.
He maintained that democracy would remain strongest when citizens understood their civic responsibilities and were prepared to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
“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.
He further stressed that every legitimate vote should be respected and every mandate freely given by the electorate should be protected.
Obi used the opportunity to urge Nigerians to remain politically engaged as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
He called on citizens to educate themselves about the electoral process, participate actively in elections and remain vigilant in protecting their votes.
According to him, Nigerians who are currently experiencing economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and other social challenges possess the ultimate constitutional instrument for demanding change through the ballot box.
“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.
Obi also appealed to political leaders and supporters across party lines to place the interests of Nigerians above partisan considerations.
He urged political actors to embrace peace, unity and the rule of law, arguing that elections should not be treated as battles between opposing groups.
Instead, he said, electoral contests should focus on ideas, competence, character, accountability and the capacity of candidates to deliver good governance.
“Elections should never be battles of violence, but contests of ideas, competence, character, and service,” Obi said.
He expressed optimism that the Osun election would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system and encourage citizens in other parts of the country to remain committed to protecting the democratic process.
Obi said the experience in Osun should serve as a reminder that citizens have an important role to play in determining the country’s political direction.
He called for continued vigilance and active participation, particularly as political parties and aspirants begin preparations for the 2027 elections.
The former presidential candidate concluded by expressing hope that the Osun experience would inspire Nigerians to work towards building a nation founded on justice, security, prosperity and people-centred governance.
“A New Nigeria is possible,” he said.
