Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has described the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State as a significant affirmation of the power of the electorate and the importance of allowing the will of the people to prevail in a democracy.
The Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, while congratulating Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory, said the peaceful conduct and outcome of the election should serve as an important example as Nigeria looks ahead to the 2027 general elections.
According to the elder statesman, the right of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders must remain at the heart of the nation’s democratic process, while political actors and institutions must continue to demonstrate restraint, fairness and respect for the wishes of the electorate.
Chief George also expressed satisfaction that the Osun election was concluded peacefully and without a crisis over the results.
“Many people have forgotten that the Wild, Wild West of the First Republic actually started from the Osun Division of the defunct Western Region — Osogbo, Ikire, Ede, Ila-Orangun, Ode-Omu, Ile-Ife, Gbongan, Iwo, Ejigbo and others. That is the real West.
“I, therefore, want to commend the people of Osun for demonstrating that the ultimate civil, political and democratic authority belongs to the people and is exercised through the ballot.
“In exercising political power, those entrusted with public office must always remember that their mandate comes from the people. An incumbent may have the advantages of office, but ultimately it is the electorate that determines whether that mandate should be renewed.
“If you work in the interest of the people, they have the opportunity to reward you with their votes. Where they believe otherwise, they are equally entitled to make a different choice. That is the beauty of democracy.
“Governor Adeleke worked, and the people have expressed their judgement through the ballot. Today, we can see that there is peace across the state because the electoral process has been allowed to run its course.
“My appeal to President Bola Tinubu, as we look towards 2027, is to continue to uphold the democratic principle that every qualified Nigerian who wishes to contest should be allowed to do so in accordance with the law. Nigerians, through their votes, should be allowed to decide who they want to lead them.
“What happened in Osun is a practical demonstration of the saying that power ultimately belongs to the people. Despite the presence and political strength of many leading members of the APC, including governors, senators and other senior political figures, the electorate made its choice.
“Political power may provide access to connections, resources and influence, but it does not confer ownership of the people’s mandate. Nigerians are increasingly politically conscious and determined to exercise their democratic rights.
“The President should also continue to assess the conduct of those serving in his administration. Public officials must understand that their words and actions can either strengthen public confidence in government or diminish it. Those who serve must do so with humility and respect for Nigerians.
“As we approach 2027, Nigerians must be allowed to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation, undue interference or manipulation. Our democracy will be strengthened when every citizen has confidence that his or her vote will count.
“Nigerians have become increasingly conscious of their civic responsibility and will continue to use the ballot as the legitimate and peaceful means of determining the direction of their country.
“It is also significant that there has been widespread acceptance of the outcome announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). When the electoral umpire discharges its responsibilities fairly, transparently, patriotically and objectively, it strengthens public confidence in both the institution and our democracy.
“I congratulate Governor Adeleke and urge him to see this victory as a renewed contract with the people of Osun State. From now until 2030, he must work even harder, justify the confidence reposed in him and deliver greater dividends of democracy to the people.
“Above all, the lesson from Osun should be that democracy works best when political leaders, institutions and citizens respect the ballot, respect one another and place the peace and stability of our country above partisan considerations.”
