Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Timi Frank, has described Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory in the Osun State governorship election as a demonstration of the power of the people and a possible pointer to the 2027 general elections.
Mr Frank, who stated this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, said the outcome of the election showed that citizens could overcome political pressure and other odds when determined to defend their choices at the polls.
He said the result should serve as a warning to political leaders that the outcome of the 2027 presidential election would ultimately be determined by Nigerian voters.
“President Tinubu may think he already has his election results in mind, but ultimately, it is the Nigerian people who will decide his fate through the power of their votes,” he said.
Mr Frank, who is also the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, ULMWP, Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, urged opposition parties to unite ahead of the 2027 elections, saying a coordinated effort would be necessary to challenge the ruling APC.
He also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant throughout the electoral process, urging them to vote, remain at their polling units and ensure that their votes were properly counted.
“Let 2027 not be business as usual. They must vote, stay, and see their votes counted, just as they have done in Osun,” he said.
Frank commended the people of Osun State for what he described as their “political ingenuity”, particularly for rejecting inducements and voting according to their conscience.
“I commend the people of Osun for this new political ingenuity, where money is taken, yet still voted for the candidate of their choice. After all, the money belongs to us as citizens, as it was taken from government coffers,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to remain peaceful but resolute in protecting their votes through lawful and democratic means, particularly in the face of alleged harassment and intimidation.
Frank also commended Nigerian music star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, for what he described as his commitment to electoral integrity.
He urged Nigerian youths and celebrities to emulate Davido by taking an active interest in the country’s democratic process rather than remaining on the sidelines.
“Going into 2027, I call on Nigerian youths and celebrities alike to borrow a leaf from Davido, as this is not the time to sit on the fence. Nigeria belongs to all of us,” he said.
