NDC Hails Adeleke’s Osun Victory, Questions Governor’s 2027 Tinubu Endorsement

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, describing the outcome of the governorship election as a victory for democracy and the will of the people.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the election showed that voters could resist what he described as tyranny, civilian dictatorship and attempts to suppress their democratic choices.

Director praised Osun voters for turning out to cast their ballots and insisting that their votes should count. He said the result demonstrated that political and federal influence could not necessarily determine an election when voters were determined to exercise their rights.

“The victory of the Accord Party in the Osun State governorship election is a victory for democracy. It is a triumph of the people’s will over any authoritarian leadership,” Director said.

He also commended Adeleke for insisting on his right to contest the election and seek another term. According to Director, the governor’s re-election showed that the people ultimately had the power to decide who should govern them.

However, the NDC spokesman criticised Adeleke’s reported decision to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election by seeking to deliver Osun State to him. Director described the position as premature and argued that the people, rather than political leaders, should decide who receives their votes.

“I am surprised that Adeleke is promising to deliver Osun to President Bola Tinubu come 2027 presidential election. I think that is too hasty of him to say,” he said, questioning whether such a commitment reflected the sacrifices made by people who supported the governor’s re-election campaign.

Director also argued that Adeleke could not determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential election in Osun, just as he claimed federal influence had failed to dictate the result of the governorship poll. He urged the governor to enjoy his victory and allow voters to make their own choice next year.

The NDC spokesman further commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the Osun election but warned against treating the poll as an isolated example of electoral transparency. He said the commission must maintain the same standards during the 2027 general elections and ensure that voters can participate freely.

“We are going to hold them to account to live up to this standard,” Director said, while calling for a transparent, credible and participatory 2027 presidential election.