Osun Election: NDC Praises Adeleke, Questions Tinubu Endorsement

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, describing the outcome of the governorship election as a victory for democracy and the people of the state.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the election showed that voters could resist attempts to influence their choice and insist that their votes count.

Director praised Osun residents for participating in the election and credited them with defending their right to freely choose their governor. He said Adeleke’s victory demonstrated that political power alone could not determine the outcome of an election when voters remained committed to exercising their franchise.

He also commended Adeleke for contesting the election despite the challenges surrounding the poll, saying the governor stood firm on his right to seek another term and allowed the people to decide his political future.

However, the NDC spokesman criticised Adeleke’s decision to endorse President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027 and his pledge to support the President in Osun.

Director described the endorsement as premature and questioned whether the governor could determine how Osun voters would vote in the presidential election.

He argued that Adeleke should allow residents of the state to make their own choice in 2027, just as they did during the governorship election.

The NDC spokesman also questioned the timing of the endorsement, particularly in view of the political tensions and reported deaths associated with the election. He argued that those who supported Adeleke’s re-election and allegedly lost their lives during the political struggle should not have their sacrifices overlooked.

According to him, the governor’s decision reflected what he described as the tendency of political elites to prioritise their own interests after gaining power.

Director maintained that even the Federal Government could not dictate the outcome of the Osun election, despite the influence and resources available to it. He therefore said Adeleke should focus on governing the state and leave the decision on the 2027 presidential election to the electorate.

The NDC also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its handling of the Osun governorship election but urged the commission to maintain the same standard in future elections.

Director warned that the relatively transparent conduct of the Osun election should not be a one-off development that would create false confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said the NDC would continue to monitor INEC and hold the commission to the standard it demonstrated during the Osun poll.

The party further called for credible, transparent and participatory elections, saying Nigerians should be able to vote freely and have their choices reflected in election results.