Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has described Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election in Osun State as proof that citizens can use their votes to demand change and confront the economic hardship, insecurity and deprivation facing the country.
Obi spoke on Sunday while congratulating Adeleke, candidate of the Accord Party, who was declared winner of the 2026 Osun State governorship election after polling 511,067 votes.
Adeleke defeated Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who secured 444,815 votes, while African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam finished third with 17,180 votes.
Reacting to the outcome in a statement on X, Obi said the people of Osun had “spoken with courage and clarity” by reaffirming their right to choose their leaders.
He said Adeleke’s renewed mandate reflected what he described as the governor’s commitment to the people, understanding of their needs and achievements in office.
Obi congratulated the governor on what he called a significant democratic achievement and a demonstration of the power citizens possess when they participate actively in the electoral process.
The former Anambra State governor particularly commended young people in Osun for what he described as their peaceful and courageous defence of their votes.
According to him, their vigilance and determination demonstrated that citizens could protect their democratic mandates when they remained alert and insisted that their votes must count.
“The lesson from Osun is clear: democracy is strongest when citizens are alert, informed and conscious of their civic responsibilities,” Obi said.
He maintained that every valid vote must be respected and every lawful mandate upheld.
Turning attention to the 2027 general election, Obi urged Nigerians to remain informed, participate actively in the electoral process, cast their votes and remain vigilant in protecting them.
He argued that Nigerians struggling with hunger, insecurity and other forms of deprivation have the power, through the ballot, to demand the political and economic changes they desire.
For Obi, the Osun election demonstrated that votes could become an instrument through which citizens hold political leaders accountable and push for improvements in their living conditions.
He also called on political actors to put the interests of citizens above partisan considerations and embrace peace, unity and respect for the rule of law.
According to him, elections should not become contests of violence, intimidation or desperation but competitions based on ideas, competence, character and service to the people.
Obi expressed hope that the conduct and outcome of the Osun election would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process and encourage more citizens to remain engaged ahead of the 2027 general election.
He urged Nigerians not to surrender their democratic power, insisting that an alert and participating electorate remains central to building what he described as a just, secure and prosperous country.
