By Biose Osita
With 511,067 votes for the Accord Party against 444,815 for the All Progressives Congress (APC) , as announced by the Returning Officer, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, the electorate delivered a clear verdict: Governor Ademola Adeleke defeated his opponent, and the result must now be respected as the expression of the voters’ choice.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves commendation for accepting the outcome and congratulating Governor Ademola Adeleke. That gesture is important. It demonstrates that political leadership can rise above partisan interest and respect the authority of the ballot.
There is a powerful historical parallel.
In 2015, President Goodluck Jonathan earned widespread admiration when he accepted defeat and congratulated Muhammadu Buhari. That single act of statesmanship helped calm tensions and demonstrated that the peace and stability of Nigeria could be more important than personal political ambition.
Today, President Tinubu’s conduct in Osun deserves similar recognition.
But commendation must come with an important qualification. A credible outcome must not become an excuse to stop demanding free and fair elections. Reports of intimidation, harsh rhetoric and an unnecessarily hostile political atmosphere remind us that Nigeria still has work to do.
An election should not merely produce an acceptable result. It should create an environment in which every candidate can campaign, every citizen can vote and every political party can participate without fear, intimidation or abuse. That is the standard Nigeria must pursue in 2027.
The people of Osun also deserve special commendation. Despite the political tension and the pressures surrounding the contest, they went to the polls and exercised their democratic right. Their verdict demonstrates once again that the electorate remains the ultimate source of political legitimacy.
For Governor Adeleke, victory should now give way to responsibility.
Having defeated his opponent, he must govern not only for those who supported him, but for all the people of Osun. His administration should also remember those who lost their lives during the political season. Their sacrifices should inspire a renewed commitment to peace, justice, security and responsible politics.
The tragedy of political violence must never become a footnote after every election.
And as 2027 approaches, political actors should take a hard look at the lesson from Osun.
There will be decamping. There will be cross-carpeting. There will be new alliances and shifting political interests. Politicians will move from one party to another in pursuit of their ambitions. That is part of democratic politics.
But none of those movements should be allowed to overpower the wishes of the electorate.
Let politicians campaign. Let parties mobilise. Let candidates compete. Let alliances change. But when the people vote, let their decision prevail.
Nigeria does not need elections that deepen fear and division. Nigeria needs elections that strengthen confidence, protect citizens and preserve lives.
The greatest victory, therefore, is not simply for the candidate who wins.. It is for democracy when the people’s will is respected.
. Osun has spoken.
. The challenge before Nigeria in 2027 is simple: let the people speak — and let their voice prevail.
The Osun governorship election has offered Nigeria a powerful democratic lesson: when the people speak, political power must listen.
With 511,067 votes for the Accord Party against 444,815 for the APC, as announced by the Returning Officer, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, the electorate delivered a clear verdict. Governor Ademola Adeleke defeated his opponent, and the result must now be respected as the expression of the voters’ choice.
