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The Special Assistant to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on South-East and Diaspora Matters, Uzoma Ani, popularly known as Soul2Soul, has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his selfless commitment to democracy during the Osun State governorship election.
Ani said the election, which produced Governor Ademola Adeleke as the winner for a second term, was free and fair, adding that the President’s decision to withdraw security personnel from the state ahead of the poll had further strengthened Nigerians’ confidence in his commitment to democracy.
He described Tinubu as the “father of democracy in Africa” and urged the President to replicate what he called the Osun model in Ebonyi State and other parts of the South-East during the 2027 elections.
He spoke while addressing journalists yesterday on the outcome of the Osun election.
He said the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Ooni of Ife on South-East and Diaspora Matters and member of the Committee on Regularisation of Igbo Diaspora Leadership and Titles, congratulated Tinubu for ensuring what he described as a credible election in Osun.
According to him, “The conduct of the Osun election stands as further proof that Mr President is a true democrat and a statesman committed to the success of democracy in Nigeria and across Africa.
“As a frontline fighter for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria, President Tinubu has once again demonstrated his belief in the power of the ballot and the sovereignty of the people to choose their leaders without interference.”
He also congratulated Adeleke on his victory, describing it as well deserved.
“To the good and resilient people of Osun State, we salute you for standing solidly with your governor and for defending democracy with your votes. Osun has shown Nigeria that when the people speak with one voice, democracy wins,” he said.
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The Ooni’s aide said Adeleke’s re-election had also sent a strong message to political leaders across the country that the electorate was increasingly judging governments by their performance.
He urged governors, particularly the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, to take note of the outcome of the Osun election and focus more on delivering tangible dividends of democracy to the people.
“The outcome in Osun sends a clear message to all political leaders across Nigeria: power belongs to the people,” he said.
He questioned the level of development achieved in Ebonyi State under Nwifuru’s administration, saying, “For the past three years, the people of Ebonyi State have been waiting for the dividends of democracy. Communities are asking, Where are the completed projects? Where are the jobs? Where is the impact of the ‘People’s Charter of Needs’ in our villages?”
He also alleged that the state government had prioritised family members and political associates over the broader interests of the people, a claim the government may wish to respond to.
He consequently warned that Nwifuru’s bid for a second term could face serious opposition from the electorate in 2027.
“For this reason, Governor Nwifuru’s re-election bid will not work. The people have taken note, and they will respond at the ballot in 2027 the same way the people of Osun decided the fate of their governor. The people are watching, and they will remember,” he said.
He, however, urged the governor to return to the people, work with them and prioritise development in critical sectors.
“We, therefore, urge Governor Nwifuru to return to the people, work with them and for them. Abandon the politics of exclusion. Deliver on roads, health, education and jobs. That is the only path to earning the trust and mandate of Ebonyians,” he said.
