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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, saying the outcome of the August 15 governorship election demonstrated that political power ultimately belongs to the people.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a statement reacting to Adeleke’s victory on Sunday, described the election as a triumph of democracy and the determination of Osun voters to defend their mandate despite intense political pressure surrounding the poll.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke, candidate of the Accord Party, winner of the keenly contested election, ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and 13 other candidates.
According to the senator, the result showed that political structures, influence and pressure cannot permanently override the will of the electorate when voters are determined to protect their choice.
“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.
She said Adeleke’s victory should be viewed beyond partisan politics, arguing that the election represented another test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience and the ability of voters to assert their constitutional right to choose their leaders.
“What we witnessed in Osun is a powerful reminder that the ballot remains the strongest weapon of the ordinary citizen in a democracy. When the people are determined to protect their mandate, political calculations and structures cannot substitute for genuine popular support,” she added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan commended Osun voters for refusing to be deterred by the tense political atmosphere preceding the election, including concerns over security and alleged vote-buying.
She also commended INEC for its conduct of the election and the eventual declaration of the result, saying the credibility of an election depended not only on voting but also on the proper collation and declaration of the votes cast.
“I commend the leadership of INEC for conducting the Osun election and for allowing the votes of the people to count. Elections are not merely about voting; they are about ensuring that the votes are properly accounted for and that the legitimate choice of the electorate is respected,” she said.
The senator also praised President Bola Tinubu for, according to her, allowing Osun voters to freely exercise their franchise.
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Tinubu had, before the election, urged voters to cast their ballots without fear and assured them that no voter should be molested at polling units.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves commendation for allowing democracy to take its course in Osun State. Despite the enormous political interests and pressures surrounding the election, the people were given the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to choose their leader,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
She further acknowledged the role of Nigerian music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, in supporting his uncle’s re-election campaign.
Davido served as chairman of the Imole Youth Campaign Team and actively campaigned for Adeleke during the election period.
Akpoti-Uduaghan described his participation as an indication of personal conviction and family loyalty in political engagement.
“Davido stood firmly with his uncle. He did not hide his position or abandon his conviction when the political atmosphere became difficult. Whatever one’s political persuasion may be, his determination to participate and support the democratic choice he believed in is noteworthy,” she said.
According to her, the broader lesson from the Osun election is that politicians must build genuine relationships with voters through service and tangible achievements rather than relying solely on political structures.
She said the outcome should serve as a warning and lesson to politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that voters were becoming increasingly conscious of the difference between political promises and actual performance.
“The Osun election has once again demonstrated that the people remember. They remember those who served them, those who stood with them, and those who delivered when it mattered most. Political power is temporary, but the impact of good governance remains in the hearts of the people.”
The senator congratulated Adeleke and the people of Osun State on the outcome, urging the governor to regard his renewed mandate as a fresh responsibility to serve all residents of the state.
“To every politician, there is a simple lesson from Osun: if you are a politician, let your works speak for you,” she said.
