National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has described Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election in Osun State as evidence that Nigerian voters can still determine who governs them through the ballot.
Dickson, a former Bayelsa State governor, congratulated Adeleke following the outcome of the August 15 governorship election, describing the result as significant for both Osun State and Nigeria’s democratic development.
According to Dickson, the election demonstrated that citizens can assert their democratic choices despite the challenges confronting Nigeria’s political environment.
“This victory is significant not only for Governor Adeleke and the people of Osun State, but also for our democracy. It is a powerful reminder that, even in an increasingly challenging political environment, the people can still assert their democratic will through the ballot,” he said.
The NDC leader also praised Osun residents for what he described as their determination to defend their votes and participate in the democratic process.
Dickson’s comments are significant as political parties and politicians begin drawing lessons from the Osun election ahead of the 2027 general elections. The result has renewed discussions about voter power, electoral participation and the ability of citizens to influence political outcomes.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke, who contested under the Accord Party, the winner after he secured 511,067 votes. His closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), polled 444,815 votes.
Beyond congratulating Adeleke, Dickson appealed to candidates who lost the election to accept the result and support efforts to promote peace and development in the state.
“I call on all those who contested the election and emerged on the losing side to join hands with the Governor in the spirit of sportsmanship and work for the peace and development of Osun State,” he said.
Dickson’s remarks come against the backdrop of broader concerns about electoral integrity in Nigeria, including the influence of money and security agencies in elections. He had previously warned about the militarisation and monetisation of the electoral process.
As political preparations for 2027 intensify, the Osun election is likely to remain an important reference point in debates about voter participation, democratic accountability and the future of Nigeria’s electoral process.
