*Dickson Congratulates Gov, Urges Rivals To Close Ranks For State’s Progress

*Outcome Forerunner Of 2027, Atiku Declares

THE presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has described Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory in last Saturday’s governorship election as a strong reminder that citizens remain the ultimate custodians of democratic power, saying the significance of the election goes beyond the state, particularly coming ahead of Nigeria’s general elections next year.

    Obi, in a message to Adeleke and the people of Osun, said the election demonstrated the importance of citizens standing up to defend their votes and democratic choices, commending Osun youths for their courage and peaceful vigilance, saying their conduct showed that an alert electorate could help safeguard democracy.

    The former Anambra State governor urged Nigerians to draw lessons from the experience by becoming more informed, participating actively in elections, and ensuring that their votes are protected from the polling unit through the collation process.

    He said Nigerians who endure hunger, insecurity, deprivation and economic hardship are also the ones with the power to demand change through their votes, noting: “Every genuine vote must be respected, and every lawful mandate must be protected.”

    Obi also called on political parties and their candidates to place the interests of Nigerians above partisan ambitions, saying elections should be peaceful contests centred on ideas, competence, character and service, rather than violence.

    In the message, titled, ‘A New Nigeria is possible,’ Obi noted that the Osun outcome should strengthen public confidence in democratic participation and encourage Nigerians to take greater responsibility for the future of the country.

    In a related development, the party’s National Leader, Henry Seriake Dickson, congratulated Adeleke on his re-election, urging his challengers to accept the outcome in good faith and join hands with the governor to move the state forward.

    Dickson, in a congratulatory statement on Sunday, described the outcome as more than a victory for Adeleke, as it represented an important affirmation of the people’s power to determine who governs them.

    The senator representing Bayelsa West in the National Assembly said the election had shown that, despite the challenges confronting Nigeria’s democratic system, citizens could still make their voices heard through the ballot.

    He commended the people of Osun for their determination to defend their democratic choice, saying the outcome underscored the importance of citizens remaining engaged in the electoral process.

    Urging Adeleke’s opponents to move beyond the contest and contribute to the peace and development of the state, Dickson said: “I warmly congratulate Adeleke on his victory.

   “This victory is significant not only for Adeleke and the people of Osun State, but also for our democracy.

    “It is a powerful reminder that, even in an increasingly challenging political environment, the people can still assert their democratic will through the ballot.

    “I commend the people of Osun State for standing firm in defence of their democratic choice, and call on all those who contested the election and emerged on the losing side to join hands with the governor, in the spirit of sportsmanship, and work for the peace and development of Osun State.”

    He said stated that the election should mark the beginning of a new phase of collective responsibility, with political differences giving way to the shared task of improving the lives of Osun residents, urging Adeleke to see the renewed mandate as a call to deepen good governance and unite the state.

    On his part, former vice president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, said the election is a forerunner of next year’s general elections.

    Atiku, in a statement by his media office, said the outcome of the poll is a reflection of the democratic wishes of the people of the state.

    He expressed satisfaction with the manner in which the voters came out in good numbers and resisted all anti-democratic machinations to undermine the process during the election, adding: “The outcome is an expression of the wishes of the people, which has earned Adeleke his re-election.

    “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.

    “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.”

    Atiku stated that in spite of the plot to intimidate voters with the heavy presence of armed personnel, the result reveals how unpopular the APC has become due to the failed policies of the Tinubu-led APC administration.

    According to the former vice president: “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.

    “I specifically thank Adeleke for mobilising 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.”

    He former urged Adeleke to step into his new mandate with a renewed resolve to effect more positive changes and cause improved economic and social prosperity for the good people of the state.     “While we congratulate Adeleke for his victory at the polls, 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.”