Osun Election: People’s Will Defeated Political Machinery — Sen. Natasha

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has described Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory in the Osun State governorship election as evidence that the will of the people can overcome political machinery and intimidation.

The senator said the election demonstrated the strength of democratic participation, particularly because voters remained determined to protect their choices despite concerns surrounding security, vote-buying and political pressure.

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

Akpoti-Uduaghan described the result as a victory for democracy and said it reaffirmed the importance of citizens actively participating in elections and defending their mandates.

She said the Osun election was a significant test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience, arguing that political structures and calculations could not replace genuine support from voters.

“What we witnessed in Osun is a powerful reminder that the ballot remains the strongest weapon of the ordinary citizen in a democracy,” she said.

The senator added that when voters were determined to protect their mandate, political influence and organisational structures could not substitute for popular support.

The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, winner of the election after he secured 511,067 votes.

His closest challenger, All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji, polled 444,815 votes, while African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam came third with 17,180 votes.

Adeleke’s victory secured him a second term as governor of Osun State after he defeated 14 other candidates in the election.

Akpoti-Uduaghan also commended INEC for conducting the election and ensuring that the votes were properly collated and accounted for.

She specifically acknowledged the Returning Officer, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, for his role in the declaration of the result.

The senator stressed that elections should not end with voting alone, saying the credibility of the democratic process also depends on accurate collation and respect for the legitimate choice of voters.

Her comments come amid continued political reactions to Adeleke’s re-election, with several political leaders and groups describing the outcome as a significant indication of voters’ growing determination to influence leadership through the ballot.

The Osun election is also being closely watched by political parties as attention increasingly shifts toward the 2027 general elections.