Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has described Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory in Saturday’s Osun state governorship election as a powerful affirmation of the people’s sovereignty and the enduring strength of democracy.
George, the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, congratulated Adeleke on his victory, describing the peaceful conduct and acceptance of the election outcome as a significant lesson for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the elder statesman, Nigerians must be allowed to freely choose their leaders, while political actors and institutions must respect the will of the electorate and place the stability of the country above partisan interests.
Reflecting on Osun’s political history, George recalled the turbulent days of the First Republic, noting that the “Wild, Wild West” crisis had its roots in the old Osun Division of the defunct Western region.
“Many people have forgotten that the Wild, Wild West of the First Republic actually started from the Osun Division of the defunct Western Region — Osogbo, Ikire, Ede, Ila-Orangun, Ode-Omu, Ile-Ife, Gbongan, Iwo, Ejigbo and others. That is the real West,” he said.
He commended the people of Osun for demonstrating through the ballot that political authority ultimately resides with the electorate.
George stressed that occupying public office does not amount to ownership of the people’s mandate, arguing that incumbents can only retain power when voters are convinced that their performance deserves another term.
“An incumbent may have the advantages of office, but ultimately it is the electorate that determines whether that mandate should be renewed,” he said.
The PDP chieftain said Adeleke’s performance had earned him the opportunity to continue in office, adding that the peaceful atmosphere across Osun after the election showed what democracy could achieve when the people’s choice is respected.
“Governor Adeleke worked, and the people have expressed their judgment through the ballot. Today, we can see that there is peace across the state because the electoral process has been allowed to run its course,” George stated.
Looking towards 2027, he appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure that every qualified Nigerian seeking elective office is given a level playing field in accordance with the law.
George said Nigerians should be allowed to determine their political future through their votes, without intimidation, undue interference or manipulation.
He pointed to the outcome in Osun as evidence that political influence, government connections and the presence of powerful political figures cannot automatically guarantee electoral victory.
“Despite the presence and political strength of many leading members of the APC, including governors, senators and other senior political figures, the electorate made its choice,” he noted.
For George, the development reflects a growing political consciousness among Nigerians, who are increasingly determined to use the ballot as the legitimate instrument for rewarding good governance and rejecting poor performance.
He also urged President Tinubu to pay close attention to the conduct of members of his administration, warning that the words and actions of public officials can either strengthen confidence in government or erode it.
“As we approach 2027, Nigerians must be allowed to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation, undue interference or manipulation. Our democracy will be strengthened when every citizen has confidence that his or her vote will count,” he said.
George further commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the election and noted the widespread acceptance of the announced result.
He argued that when an electoral umpire performs its duties fairly, transparently and objectively, public confidence in the electoral process and democratic institutions is strengthened.
While congratulating Adeleke once again, George charged him to regard his victory as a renewed contract with the people of Osun State.
He urged the governor to work harder from now until 2030, justify the confidence reposed in him and deliver greater dividends of democracy to the people.
Above all, George said the biggest lesson from Osun is that democracy thrives when leaders, institutions and citizens respect the ballot and one another.
“Power ultimately belongs to the people,” he declared, stressing that Nigeria’s democratic future would be stronger when political leaders place national peace, stability and the people’s will above partisan considerations.
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