Adeleke’s victory shows power belongs to the people – Natasha Akpoti

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, has congratulated Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as Osun state governor. 

The lawmaker described the outcome of the August 15 governorship election as a triumph of democracy and the popular will of the electorate.

Adeleke, candidate of the Accord, was declared winnerof the August 15 Osun governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday morning.

In a statement, Akpoti-Uduaghan said the result demonstrated that political power ultimately belongs to the people and cannot be permanently secured through political influence, intimidation or political machinery.

“The people of Osun State have spoken loudly and unmistakably. They stood firm, defended their votes and demonstrated that democracy belongs to the people,” she said.

“No amount of political machinery, intimidation or pressure can permanently silence the voice of the electorate.”

‘BALLOT REMAINS STRONGEST WEAPON’

The senator said Adeleke’s victory should be viewed beyond partisan politics, describing the election as another test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience.

“What we witnessed in Osun is a powerful reminder that the ballot remains the strongest weapon of the ordinary citizen in a democracy,” she said.

“When the people are determined to protect their mandate, political calculations and structures cannot substitute for genuine popular support.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan commended Osun voters for participating in the election despite what she described as political pressure and security concerns surrounding the poll.

She also praised INEC for conducting the election and declaring the result.

“I commend the leadership of INEC for conducting the Osun election and for allowing the votes of the people to count,” she said.

“Elections are not merely about voting; they are about ensuring that the votes are properly accounted for and that the legitimate choice of the electorate is respected.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan also commended President Bola Tinubu for what she described as allowing Osun voters to freely choose their governor.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves commendation for allowing democracy to take its course in Osun State,” she said.

“Despite the enormous political interests and pressures surrounding the election, the people were given the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to choose their leader.”

The senator said Nigeria’s democracy would continue to mature when politicians understood that electoral contests should focus on service rather than the deployment of state power to impose unpopular choices. (TheCable)