Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allowing democracy to take its course in the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, said the President deserved commendation for providing an environment that allowed the people of the state to freely exercise their constitutional right to choose their leader.

The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, winner of the keenly contested election, defeating the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and other candidates who participated in the poll.

Reacting to the outcome, the Kogi Central senator said Tinubu’s position ahead of the election was significant, given the political interests surrounding the contest.

According to her, the President had urged voters to exercise their franchise without fear and directed security agencies to protect citizens and electoral officials during the election.

“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,” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said the outcome of the election further demonstrated that political structures and machinery could not permanently overpower the will of the electorate.

“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 described Adeleke’s victory as an important test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience, urging political leaders to see the outcome beyond partisan politics.

“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 said.

The senator commended Osun voters for participating in the election despite concerns over security and political tensions ahead of the poll.

She praised the leadership of INEC for conducting the election and declaring the result, stressing that the credibility of elections depended not only on voting but also on ensuring that the votes were properly accounted for.

“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.

Akpoti-Uduaghan acknowledged the role played by Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, in supporting his uncle during the re-election campaign.

Davido served as chairman of the Imole Youth Campaign Team and actively campaigned for Adeleke ahead of the election.

The senator described his participation as an expression of personal conviction and family loyalty in political engagement.

She said the outcome of the Osun election should serve as a lesson to politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to prioritise good governance, development and the welfare of citizens rather than relying solely on political structures to secure electoral victories.

“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,” she said.