The House of Representatives candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Saki/West/Atisbo Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Arc. Bashir Lawal, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the governorship election.
Lawal, a former chairman of Accord party in Oyo state, described the outcome of the Osun election as a reflection of the power of a people united behind a common course.
In a congratulatory message on Sunday morning, Lawal said the outcome of the election demonstrated that when citizens are determined to protect their collective interest and speak with one voice, no force can permanently stand in their way.
He described Adeleke’s victory as a significant moment in the political development of Osun State and by extension, Nigeria as a whole.
He said the election outcome underscores the importance of popular participation, political organisation and the determination of voters to choose the leadership they desire.
According to him, the election has once again shown that political power ultimately belongs to the people, whose votes remain the strongest instrument for expressing their preferences in a democratic society.
“Nobody can stand in the way of a united people on a common course. When the people are united by a shared vision and determined to defend their mandate, no amount of intimidation, manipulation or deployment of resources can permanently defeat their collective will,” Lawal said.
He commended the people of Osun State for participating in the electoral process and urged political actors across the country to see the outcome as an opportunity to deepen democratic values rather than a reason for further division.
Lawal also congratulated Adeleke and members of his political family for the victory, urging the governor to see his re-election as a renewed mandate to consolidate on his administration’s programmes and deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of Osun State.
The ADC chieftain stressed that elections should not merely be viewed as contests for political offices but as opportunities for citizens to reaffirm their aspirations and hold leaders accountable.
He said the Osun experience should serve as a lesson to politicians seeking elective offices in 2027 and beyond, particularly on the importance of building genuine connections with the electorate.
Lawal further called on winners and losers in the election to embrace peace, stressing that the interest of Osun State should supersede partisan considerations.
He urged those who contested against Adeleke to accept the outcome in the spirit of sportsmanship, while maintaining that the outcome was a victory for the people of the state and not just for one candidate.
The Oyo ADC candidate said democracy would continue to thrive when political disagreements were pursued within the confines of the law and when elected officials recognised that their mandates were ultimately held in trust for the people.
He added that the lesson from Osun was particularly relevant as political parties and politicians begin preparations for the 2027 general elections, noting that Nigerians were increasingly interested in leadership that prioritises their welfare over political calculations.
Lawal wished Governor Adeleke a successful second term in office and expressed hope that the governor would use the fresh mandate to unite the people of Osun State and pursue policies capable of improving their standard of living.