The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, describing the victory as a highly important democratic achievement for Nigeria. In a statement issued on Sunday in Enugu, titled “Osun: When the People Stand, Democracy Wins,” Obi said the people of Osun State “have spoken with courage and exceptional clarity.”
Victory Reaffirms People’s Power
Obi said the victory reaffirmed that the power to choose leaders belongs to the people, adding, “The victory is a demonstration of the power of the people” across Nigeria. He noted that Adeleke’s renewed mandate reflected his commitment to the people, compassion for their needs, and the strength of his work and remarkable achievements in office during his tenure.
Obi particularly commended the youths of Osun for what he described as their courageous and peaceful defence of their democratic mandate during the highly contested weekend governorship polls. According to him, their vigilance and determination beautifully demonstrated that when citizens stand firmly to protect their votes, the forces of good can overcome the forces of darkness in any election.
Lessons for Nigeria’s Democracy
Obi said the lesson from Osun State was that democracy is strongest when citizens are fully alert, conscious of their civic responsibilities, and determined to ensure that their votes count always. He strongly emphasised that every genuine vote must be respected and every lawful mandate protected to ensure that the sacred will of the people was never undermined by any anti-democratic force.
Looking forward to the 2027 general elections, Obi called on Nigerians to remain informed, participate actively, vote, and most importantly, protect their votes across every single polling unit nationwide. He said Nigerians are the ones experiencing hunger, deprivation, insecurity, and hardship, and therefore possess the power, through their votes, to bring about the change needed to address these challenges.
Call for Peace and Rule of Law
Obi also urged political actors to place the interests of the people above partisan considerations and embrace peace, unity, and the rule of law across the entire Nigerian democratic political landscape. Elections, he said, should absolutely not be battles of violence but contests of ideas, competence, character, and service to the people who are desperately yearning for functional and progressive good governance.
Obi expressed hope that the Osun experience would strengthen Nigerians’ confidence in the democratic process and inspire citizens to remain extremely vigilant and committed to building a truly prosperous, people-centred nation.
