Obi says the people of the state have demonstrated the power of citizens to determine their leaders through the ballot.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Sunday following the announcement of the election results, Obi described the outcome as an “important democratic victory” and said the people of Osun had “spoken with courage and clarity.”

According to him, Adeleke earned the renewed confidence of the electorate through his commitment to the people, compassion for their needs and achievements recorded during his first term.

“I warmly congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and the good people of Osun State on this important democratic victory.

“They have spoken with courage and clarity, reaffirming that the power to choose their leaders belongs to the people,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor particularly commended youths in Osun State for what he described as their courageous and peaceful defence of their democratic mandate.

He said their vigilance and determination showed that citizens could overcome attempts to undermine their votes when they remained committed to protecting the democratic process.

“The lesson from Osun is clear: democracy is strongest when citizens are alert, conscious of their civic responsibility, and determined to ensure that their votes count,” he said.

Obi also used the development to make a broader appeal ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging Nigerians to remain informed, participate actively in elections, vote and protect their votes.Ordering Custom Wall Maps

He said Nigerians experiencing hunger, deprivation, insecurity and hardship possessed the power, through their votes, to bring about the change they desired.

“The Nigerian people are the ones experiencing hunger, deprivation, insecurity, and hardship; therefore, they are also the ones with the power, through their votes, to bring about the change that will end these conditions,” he added.

Obi further called on political actors to put the interests of Nigerians above partisan considerations and embrace peace, unity and the rule of law.

He stressed that elections should be contests of ideas, competence, character and service rather than battles marked by violence.

A day before the Saturday’s election, Obi had charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties and other stakeholders to ensure a credible and peaceful electoral process.

In his message, he urged INEC to ensure that the votes of Osun residents were transparently counted, protected and announced in accordance with the genuine will of the electorate.

He also appealed to political actors and their supporters within and outside the state to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of provoking violence.

“Do not allow politicians to turn your neighbours, friends, and communities against each other. Do not destroy your state in the name of winning an election. Nigeria is bigger than any candidate, and Osun is greater than any political party,” he had said.

Obi equally urged security agencies to remain loyal to Nigeria and the Constitution, insisting that their responsibility was to protect every voter equally.

He called on INEC to safeguard the credibility of the election from accreditation and voting through collation and declaration, while urging international observers and diplomatic missions to closely monitor the process.

“Let every vote count. Let every voter be protected. Let every legitimate result be respected. And above all, let peace reign in Osun State,” Obi had said.