The Rivers State governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Nature Keighe, has said the outcome of the Osun State governorship election showed that Nigerians are tired of poverty and ready to demand better leadership through the ballot box.

Also, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, described the outcome of the election as a demonstration of the power of the electorate to shape political outcomes through voting.

Keighe, while criticising opposition parties joining the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, urged them to resist fear and political weakness, and instead challenge the government and hold the system accountable.

His reaction comes amid ongoing reconciliation efforts between the camps of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and Wike, with discussions centred on a possible political realignment involving the Rainbow Coalition, which comprises members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political groups.

Speaking in an interview, Keighe said voters in Osun State resisted the influence of vote-buying and voted according to their conscience.

He expressed optimism that the same could happen in Rivers State, urging residents to learn from the Osun experience and support credible candidates in future elections.

On his part, Eze said the Osun election had reinforced the importance of voter participation and the protection of electoral mandates.

According to Eze, the Osun experience should serve as a lesson for Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He recalled the position attributed to former Rivers State governor and ADC Vice-Presidential Candidate, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, that the APC could be defeated in 2027 if Nigerians participated actively in the electoral process and protected their votes.

“Amaechi had earlier made the point that the APC can be defeated in 2027 if Nigerians come out, vote and protect their votes. Osun has now demonstrated that this is not merely political rhetoric. It is achievable,” he said.

Eze urged Adeleke to regard the outcome as a renewed responsibility to the people of Osun State and work towards justifying the confidence reposed in him.

He also called on Nigerians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to remain peaceful, vigilant and committed to exercising their constitutional right to vote in 2027.

The ADC chieftain said the significance of the Osun election extended beyond individual candidates or political parties, stressing that it underscored the ability of citizens to influence the direction of governance through elections.

He urged political leaders to pay greater attention to the electorate and recognise the importance of accountability, effective governance and respect for voters.

Eze further called on Nigerians not to be discouraged by the influence of incumbency, political structures or campaign resources, but to make their choices according to their conscience.

He added that the central lesson of Osun was that democratic power ultimately rests with the voters.

“Osun has spoken. Nigerians should listen. The people have demonstrated that democracy still belongs to them. The task before Nigerians in 2027 is to vote according to their conscience, protect their votes and ensure that the will of the people prevails. The people, not political godfathers, must decide who governs Nigeria,” he said.