Ex-VP Congratulates Adeleke, Urges Him To Deliver More Prosperity
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared the Osun State governorship election a template and warning sign for 2027, saying the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke proves Nigerians have “roundly rejected” the All Progressives Congress.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, gave the verdict in a statement issued by his media office on Saturday, congratulating Adeleke and the people of Osun for what he called a successful defence of democracy.
—“THE PEOPLE’S WISHES PREVAILED”—
Atiku said the outcome of last Saturday’s poll was a direct reflection of the democratic will of Osun voters, who he praised for turning out in large numbers despite alleged intimidation.
“The outcome of last Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Osun State is an expression of the wishes of the people, which has earned Governor Adeleke his re-election,” he stated.
He expressed particular satisfaction that voters “resisted all anti-democratic machinations aimed at undermining the democratic process” during the election.
—LESSONS FOR 2027: TURNOUT AND VIGILANCE—
The former VP said Osun has set two critical precedents ahead of the January 2027 general elections.
“The lesson from the election is that the voters in Osun State have set a good example of how we must come out in large numbers in the general elections next year,” Atiku said.
“Another important lesson from the Osun election is that it is a clear manifestation of how the collective resolve of the electorate to stand firm to protect their ballot is the best antidote to rigging, vote buying and other electoral malpractice and irregularities.”
—“APC WILL BE DEFEATED IN 2027”—
Atiku went further, linking the Osun result directly to national politics and the Tinubu-led APC administration.
He alleged there was an “orchestrated plot to intimidate voters with the heavy presence of armed personnel,” but said the result showed how unpopular the ruling party has become.
“Nigerians have roundly rejected the APC. The election in Osun State is just a telling indication that the APC will be defeated in the general election in January 2027. Indeed, it is a forerunner of the 2027 General Elections,” he declared.
The ex-VP specifically thanked Governor Adeleke “for mobilizing the people of Osun State to stand firm in the face of state-sponsored intimidation and for leading the country into the path of the total defeat of the APC.”
—CHARGE TO ADELEKE: DELIVER MORE–
While congratulating Adeleke, Atiku urged the governor to deepen his performance in office.
“I wish to urge him to continue with the process of good governance that has earned him the affection of the people and to make Osun State a shining success that the country will be proud of. One good term is indeed deserving of another,” Atiku said.
He called on Adeleke to approach his new mandate “with a renewed resolve to effect more positive changes and cause improved economic and social prosperity for the good people of Osun State.”
—CONTEXT—
Adeleke, who ran on the platform of the Accord Party, was on Sunday declared winner of the Osun governorship election with 511,067 votes, defeating APC’s Bola Oyebamiji who polled 444,815 votes — a margin of 66,252 votes.
Nigeria Must Harness Youth Energy or Risk Losing a Generation — International Alert
The victory gives Adeleke a second term and hands the APC a major setback ahead of 2027.
With Atiku framing Osun as the opening act for the next general elections, the political battle lines for 2027 appear to have been drawn early.
