Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 election, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has described the outcome of the Osun State governorship election as a fresh affirmation of the power of the electorate.
Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory while commending voters for turning out to exercise their democratic rights.
In a statement posted on his verified Facebook account on Sunday, Kwankwaso said the result demonstrated that citizens could determine the direction of government when they actively participate in the electoral process.
“As a leader of the opposition and a committed democrat, I commend the people of Osun State for exercising their democratic rights and reaffirming the power of the people’s mandate,” he said.
He described Adeleke’s victory in the August 15 governorship election as a reminder that the will of the electorate should remain at the centre of democratic governance.
“This victory is a reminder that when citizens remain committed to their civic responsibilities and make their voices heard, the people’s will must prevail,” Kwankwaso added.
The NDC chieftain also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its handling of the election, urging political parties, security agencies and other stakeholders to sustain the commitment to peaceful and transparent elections.
“I also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the election and encourage all stakeholders to continue to uphold the principles of credible, peaceful and transparent elections,” he said.
INEC declared Adeleke of the Accord Party winner after he polled 511,067 votes, defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes.
Adeleke carried 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11.
African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Najeem Salaam placed third with 17,180 votes.
For Kwankwaso, the Osun result goes beyond the victory of an individual candidate, offering what he described as another demonstration that the ultimate power in a democracy belongs to the people.