Osun people have made their choice clear - Natasha

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election. She called his win in Saturday's governorship election a victory for democracy and the people's choice.

In a statement from her media aide, Mike Idoko, Akpoti-Uduaghan praised President Bola Tinubu for "allowing the people of Osun State to freely choose their governor". This was despite the strong political interests around the election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission announced Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, as the winner of the closely contested election. He beat Bola Oyebamiji from the All Progressives Congress and 13 other candidates.

Commenting on the election results, Akpoti-Uduaghan said it showed that political power belongs to the voters. She stressed that it cannot be secured through influence, intimidation, or political tactics.

She said, "The people of Osun State have spoken loudly and unmistakably. They stood firm, defended their votes, and showed that democracy belongs to the people. No amount of political machinery, intimidation or pressure can permanently silence the voice of the electorate."

Akpoti-Uduaghan also said Adeleke’s win should be seen beyond party lines. She argued that the election was a significant test of Nigeria’s democratic strength. Voters showed through their choices that they were committed to protecting the mandate they believed in, despite the tense environment before the election.

She stated, "What we witnessed in Osun is a powerful reminder that the ballot remains the strongest weapon of the ordinary citizen in a democracy. When the people are determined to protect their mandate, political calculations and structures cannot substitute for genuine popular support."

The senator praised Osun voters for not being discouraged by the pressures around the election. She said their actions reinforced the idea that elected positions must come from the people. She also thanked Tinubu for not interfering with Osun voters' choice.

Before the election, Tinubu had encouraged residents to vote for their preferred candidates without fear. He assured them that no one should be harmed at polling stations. Akpoti-Uduaghan said the President's stance was important given the political interests involved in the election.

She remarked, "President Bola Tinubu deserves commendation for allowing democracy to take its course in Osun State. Despite the significant political interests and pressures, the people were allowed to exercise their constitutional right to choose their leader."

The senator also recognized Nigerian music star Davido, who is Adeleke's uncle, for his support during the re-election campaign. Davido actively participated in the campaign and led the Imole Youth Campaign Team.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said, "Davido stood firmly with his uncle. He did not hide his position or abandon his conviction when the political atmosphere became difficult. Regardless of one’s political views, his determination to support the democratic choice he believed in is commendable."

She concluded by saying that the main lesson from the election is that political leaders should create real connections with voters through service. They should not rely only on political structures. She believes the outcome should teach politicians across Nigeria as they prepare for the 2027 general elections.