Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, has extended his congratulations to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election, characterising the outcome as an emphatic victory for the democratic process and a powerful reaffirmation of the electorate’s sovereignty.
In a statement issued on Sunday and titled “Osun: When the People Stand, Democracy Wins,” Mr Obi asserted that the people of Osun had spoken with remarkable “courage and clarity.” He stressed that the authority to choose their leaders ultimately resides with the people, and their will had been unequivocally expressed.
Mr Obi attributed Governor Adeleke’s renewed mandate to what he described as the governor’s demonstrable commitment to the people, his compassion for their needs, and the tangible achievements recorded by his administration during his first term.
Youths Praised for Defending Mandate
The former Anambra State governor also reserved special praise for the youth of Osun State, commending them for what he termed their peaceful and courageous defence of their democratic mandate.
According to Mr Obi, the vigilance and determination displayed by the young voters demonstrated a crucial principle: that when citizens unite to protect their votes, “the forces of good can overcome the forces of darkness.”
He highlighted that the major lesson from the Osun election is that democracy thrives only when citizens remain vigilant, understand their civic responsibilities, and insist unequivocally that their votes count.
A Lesson for 2027
Mr Obi maintained that every legitimate vote must be respected and every lawful electoral mandate protected. He urged Nigerians to draw critical lessons from the Osun experience as the nation looks ahead to the 2027 general elections.
He called on citizens to remain informed, to participate actively in the electoral process, and, crucially, to protect their votes. Mr Obi pointedly noted that Nigerians—who are bearing the brunt of hunger, insecurity, deprivation, and economic hardship—possess the power, through their votes, to demand the leadership and change required to address these challenges.
Appeal for National Interest
The NDC presidential candidate also appealed to political actors to place the national interest above partisan considerations, embracing peace, unity, and the rule of law. He cautioned that elections should not be treated as battles to be won through violence, but as contests of ideas, competence, character, and service to the people.
Mr Obi concluded by expressing optimism that the Osun experience would renew Nigerians’ confidence in the democratic process, encouraging citizens across the country to remain vigilant and committed to building a just, secure, prosperous, and people-centred nation.
