Osun Aftermath: NDC Celebrates Adeleke's Win, Slams Tinubu's 2027 Endorsement!

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has extended congratulations to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, characterizing the recent governorship election as a significant victory for democracy and a clear triumph of the people’s will. However, the NDC simultaneously expressed strong disapproval of Governor Adeleke’s reported commitment to support President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. Osa Director, the NDC National Publicity Secretary, deemed this endorsement premature and symptomatic of the "self-interest" prevalent among Nigeria’s political elite.

Director lauded the citizens of Osun State for their active participation in the election, asserting that the poll vividly demonstrated the capacity of the populace to resist "tyranny," "civilian dictatorship," and any attempts to undermine their democratic choices through the electoral process. He emphasized that the outcome, which saw Governor Adeleke re-elected, represented a powerful affirmation of the people's resilience against oppression and their insistence on their votes being counted. Furthermore, Director commended Governor Adeleke for his steadfast resolve in asserting his right to contest the election, allowing the electorate to ultimately determine his political destiny.

Despite these commendations, the NDC spokesman voiced profound concern regarding Adeleke’s pledge to back Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. Director questioned whether such a premature commitment truly honored the interests and considerable sacrifices of those who supported the governor’s re-election, including individuals who allegedly lost their lives during the political struggle. He criticized this action as "too hasty," further reinforcing his view that it highlights the elitist and self-serving tendencies within the political class.

Director urged Governor Adeleke to fully appreciate his electoral success and, more importantly, to respect the autonomy of the people of Osun State by allowing them to independently decide their preferred presidential candidate in the 2027 elections. He underscored that the governorship election itself served as a powerful testament to the limitations of political power, demonstrating that even the alleged deployment of "federal might" could not dictate the choices of the voters.

In addition to commending the election process, the NDC also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its conduct of the Osun poll. Nevertheless, the party issued a stern warning that the level of credibility achieved in Osun must not be an isolated incident. Director stressed that INEC would be held accountable to the high standard set by the Osun election and implored the commission to maintain and enhance transparency and credibility as preparations for the 2027 general election intensify. He also reminded INEC of its assurances to address technical challenges related to electronic transmission and other electoral technologies, expressing Nigerians’ expectation for a truly transparent, participatory, and credible presidential election in 2027, where every vote genuinely counts.