The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for the remembrance of those who died from incidents related to the Osun State governorship election.

In a post on his official X account on Monday, Obi congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party on winning re-election in the August 15, 2026 governorship poll with 511,067 votes against the All Progressives Congress (APC) standard bearer, Bola Oyebamiji’s 444,815.

He also highlighted election-related deaths during the campaign and voting period, urging the identification of victims’ families for condolences, visits, and compensation regardless of political party affiliations.

“Osun: While celebrating, let us also remember those who paid the ultimate price for democracy,” the former Governor of Anambra State said.

“Once again, I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke and the good people of Osun State on the outcome of the election and, more importantly, on safeguarding the democratic process.

“The people have spoken through the ballot, reaffirming the fundamental principle that power belongs to the people.”

Obi emphasised that no political victory justifies the loss of Nigerian lives, calling for matured democracy with issue-based campaigns and the rule of law to prevent future violence.

“As we celebrate this success, let’s not forget those who made the supreme sacrifice for our democracy during the Osun election,” he stated.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives under different circumstances during the electoral period.

“I believe these families deserve our collective compassion, solidarity, and support.

“I therefore hope that the families of those who lost their loved ones will be identified and reached through visits, condolences, and appropriate compensation, irrespective of the political side to which they belonged.”

Elections, according to Obi, should be about the people, their choices, and their aspirations but not about the loss of precious lives.

“No political victory is worth the blood of a Nigerian,” said the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023.

“My prayer is that our democracy will continue to mature to a point where elections no longer come at the cost of human lives, and where political differences can always be settled through issue-based campaigns and the rule of law.

“May God comfort all the families who have lost loved ones and grant the departed eternal rest. With the right conduct of elections, a New Nigeria is POssible.”