Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has described the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State as a significant affirmation of the power of the electorate and the importance of allowing the will of the people to prevail in a democracy.

George, the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, speaking on Monday congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory, saying the peaceful conduct and outcome of the election should serve as an important example as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The PDP chieftain said the right of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders must remain at the heart of the nation’s democratic process, urging political actors and institutions to demonstrate restraint, fairness and respect for the wishes of the electorate.

George also expressed satisfaction that the Osun election was concluded peacefully and without a crisis over the results.

“Many people have forgotten that the Wild, Wild West of the First Republic actually started from the Osun Division of the defunct Western Region — Osogbo, Ikire, Ede, Ila-Orangun, Ode-Omu, Ile-Ife, Gbongan, Iwo, Ejigbo and others. That is the real West,” he said.

He commended the people of Osun for demonstrating that political authority ultimately belongs to the electorate and is exercised through the ballot.

“I therefore want to commend the people of Osun for demonstrating that the ultimate civil, political and democratic authority belongs to the people and is exercised through the ballot,” George said.

He said those entrusted with public office must remember that their mandate comes from the people, adding that incumbency could provide advantages but could not guarantee electoral victory.

“An incumbent may have the advantages of office, but ultimately it is the electorate that determines whether that mandate should be renewed,” he said.

According to him, the outcome of the election demonstrated that voters could reward an incumbent they believed had served them well or make a different choice where they were dissatisfied.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke worked, and the people have expressed their judgment through the ballot. Today, we can see that there is peace across the state because the electoral process has been allowed to run its course,” he said.

Looking ahead to 2027, George appealed to President Bola Tinubu to uphold the democratic principle that every qualified Nigerian should be allowed to contest elections in accordance with the law.

“My appeal to President Bola Tinubu, as we look towards 2027, is to continue to uphold the democratic principle that every qualified Nigerian who wishes to contest should be allowed to do so in accordance with the law. Nigerians, through their votes, should be allowed to decide who they want to lead them,” he said.

George said the Osun election was a practical demonstration that political influence and access to resources did not amount to ownership of the people’s mandate.

He noted that despite the presence and political strength of several leading members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including governors, senators and other senior political figures, the electorate ultimately made its choice through the ballot.

“Political power may provide access to connections, resources and influence, but it does not confer ownership of the people’s mandate. Nigerians are increasingly politically conscious and determined to exercise their democratic rights,” he said.

The former PDP national officer also urged the President to continue to assess the conduct of officials serving in his administration, stressing that public officers must act with humility and respect for Nigerians.

He said public officials must recognise that their words and actions could either strengthen public confidence in government or diminish it.

“As we approach 2027, Nigerians must be allowed to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation, undue interference or manipulation. Our democracy will be strengthened when every citizen has confidence that his or her vote will count,” George said.

He also commended Nigerians for becoming increasingly conscious of their civic responsibilities, describing the ballot as the legitimate and peaceful means of determining the direction of the country.

George further welcomed the widespread acceptance of the outcome announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying a fair and transparent electoral process would strengthen public confidence in the electoral umpire and democracy.

“It is also significant that there has been widespread acceptance of the outcome announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). When the electoral umpire discharges its responsibilities fairly, transparently, patriotically and objectively, it strengthens public confidence in both the institution and our democracy,” he said.

Congratulating Adeleke, George urged the governor to regard his victory as a renewed contract with the people of Osun State and work harder to justify their confidence.

“I congratulate Governor Adeleke and urge him to see this victory as a renewed contract with the people of Osun State. From now until 2030, he must work even harder, justify the confidence reposed in him and deliver greater dividends of democracy to the people,” he said.

George said the broader lesson from the Osun election was that democracy would thrive when political leaders, institutions and citizens respected the ballot and placed the peace and stability of the country above partisan interests.