Osun: ‘When The People Stand, Democracy Wins’ says Obi

* Hails Adeleke’s Re-election, Osun Youths

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC,
for the 2027 elections, Mr Peter Obi, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, calling the Osun governorship poll a “significant democratic achievement” and proof that “when the people stand, democracy wins.”
In a statement titled “Osun: When The People Stand, Democracy Wins” and signed by his spokesperson, Idris Zekeri Jnr, Obi said the result showed the power of citizens to defend their mandate.
The NDC presidential candidate said Osun voters “spoke with courage and clarity,” reaffirming that the power to choose leaders belongs to the people.
He noted that Adeleke’s renewed mandate reflected the governor’s “commitment to the people, compassion for their needs, and the strength of his work and achievements in office.”
The former Anambra governor particularly singled out *Osun youths* for praise, commending what he called their “courageous and peaceful defence of their democratic mandate.”
“Their (Osun youths’) vigilance and determination demonstrated that when citizens stand firmly to protect their votes, the forces of good can overcome the forces of darkness,” Obi stated.
He said the central lesson from Osun is that democracy thrives when citizens take ownership of the process.
His words, “The lesson from Osun was that democracy is strongest when citizens are alert, aware of their civic responsibilities, and determined to ensure that their votes are counted.
“Every genuine vote must be respected and every lawful mandate upheld”, he said.
Looking ahead to 2027, Obi urged Nigerians to get involved beyond election day.
He called on citizens to “stay informed, participate actively, vote, and, most importantly, protect their votes.”
“Nigerians are the ones experiencing hunger, deprivation, insecurity, and hardship and, therefore, hold the power — through their votes — to bring about the change necessary to address these challenges,” he said.
Obi also charged politicians to put the people first.
“Political actors, prioritise the interests of the people over partisan considerations and to embrace peace, unity, and the rule of law,” he said.
“Elections”, he said, “should not be battles of violence but contests of ideas, competence, character, and service.”
The NDC candidate expressed hope that the Osun experience would restore confidence in elections and inspire Nigerians nationwide.
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He said he expects the poll to encourage citizens to “remain vigilant and committed to building a just, secure, prosperous, and truly people-centred nation.”.

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