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 powerful affirmation of the will of the people and the strength of democratic governance.
Congratulating Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland said the peaceful conduct of the election and the widespread acceptance of the results should serve as a model for the 2027 general elections.
According to the elder statesman, the right of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders must remain the cornerstone of the nation’s democracy, while political actors and institutions must continue to demonstrate fairness, restraint and respect for the electorate.
Chief George also expressed satisfaction that the election was concluded peacefully, without post-election violence or disputes over the outcome.
“Many people have forgotten that the Wild, Wild West of the First Republic actually began in the Osun Division of the defunct Western Region—Osogbo, Ikire, Ede, Ila-Orangun, Ode-Omu, Ile-Ife, Gbongan, Iwo, Ejigbo and other communities. That is the real West.
“I therefore 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.
“Those entrusted with public office must always remember that their mandate comes from the people. An incumbent may enjoy the advantages of office, but it is the electorate that ultimately decides whether that mandate should be renewed.
“If you govern in the interest of the people, they have every right to reward you with their votes. If they believe otherwise, they are equally entitled to choose someone else. That is the beauty of democracy.
“Governor Adeleke worked, and the people have delivered their verdict through the ballot. Today, peace prevails across Osun because the democratic process was allowed to run its full course.”
George urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the same democratic principles are upheld as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
“My appeal to President Bola Tinubu is to continue to uphold the democratic principle that every qualified Nigerian who wishes to contest an election should be allowed to do so in accordance with the law. Nigerians must be allowed to decide, through their votes, who should lead them.
“What happened in Osun is practical proof that power ultimately belongs to the people. Despite the presence and political influence of several APC governors, senators and other senior party leaders, the electorate still made its choice.
“Political power may provide access to influence and resources, but it does not confer ownership of the people’s mandate. Nigerians are becoming increasingly politically conscious and determined to exercise their democratic rights.”
The PDP chieftain also urged the President to continually assess the conduct of members of his administration, noting that public officials have a responsibility to strengthen, rather than erode, public confidence in government.
“Those who serve in government must understand that their words and actions can either build public trust or diminish it. Public office demands humility, responsibility and respect for the Nigerian people.”
George stressed that Nigerians must be allowed to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation, manipulation or undue interference.
“As we approach 2027, every Nigerian must be free to vote without fear. Our democracy grows stronger when citizens have confidence that every vote will count.
“Nigerians have become increasingly aware of their civic responsibilities and will continue to use the ballot as the legitimate and peaceful means of determining the future of their country.”
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the broad acceptance of the election results.
“It is significant that the outcome announced by INEC has enjoyed widespread acceptance. Whenever the electoral umpire discharges its constitutional responsibilities fairly, transparently and objectively, it strengthens public confidence in both the institution and our democracy.”
Congratulating Governor Adeleke once again, George described the victory as a renewed mandate from the people and urged the governor to redouble his efforts in delivering good governance.
“I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke and urge him to see this victory as a renewed contract with the people of Osun State. Between now and 2030, he must work even harder, justify the confidence reposed in him and deliver greater dividends of democracy.
“Above all, the lesson from Osun is simple: democracy works best when political leaders, democratic institutions and citizens respect the ballot, respect one another and place the peace, stability and unity of our country above partisan interests.”
