Osun Election 2026: Rhodes-Vivour Celebrates Voters’ Win Over Oppression

Former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has congratulated the people of Osun State on their Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election. He called the result of the governorship election a “spectacular triumph against tyranny.”

Rhodes-Vivour shared a brief statement on his X account on Sunday. He said the Osun voters showed that intimidation and bribery cannot stop citizens who want to protect their democratic choice.

The statement said, “I congratulate the great people of Osun on their spectacular triumph against tyranny.

“You have proven that no amount of guns, intimidation and inducement can deter a people determined not to return under the yoke of their oppressors.”

Rhodes-Vivour believes the key lesson from Osun is that voters can change election results when they are committed to exercising and protecting their rights.

“Let us take the lessons from Osun and build on it towards the general elections,” he added.

His comments came shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke the winner of Saturday’s election, allowing him to serve a second term.

Adeleke, running with the Accord Party, received 511,067 votes to beat his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji from the All Progressives Congress, who got 444,815 votes. The incumbent won in 19 out of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11.

This election marks a significant political return for Adeleke, who secured re-election after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party, the party he used to win the 2022 governorship election, for Accord.

His win also marked Accord's first governorship victory in Osun State.

The election was preceded by a heated campaign season, political shifts, and accusations of intimidation and misuse of funds from rival camps.

Adeleke had voiced concerns about the political climate before the election, while his opponents campaigned on the need to replace his government.

Rhodes-Vivour’s mention of intimidation and inducement comes as civil society groups raised concerns after the election.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, called on INEC, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to look into alleged vote-buying, financial inducement, violence, voter intimidation, and other election-related issues.

Despite the various accusations surrounding the election, INEC’s result confirmed Adeleke’s clear win over the APC candidate. The African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam, placed third with 17,180 votes.

Rhodes-Vivour, who ran in the 2023 Lagos governorship election on the Labour Party platform, urged Nigerians to learn from the Osun results as political parties and opposition groups prepare for the 2027 general elections.

His call comes as many opposition figures and political actors share reactions to Adeleke’s victory.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar said the result showed the choice of Osun voters. Other political figures, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, also congratulated the governor.