Osun Election: Candidate, not party, determines electoral victory — NRM

The National Rescue Movement, NRM, has said Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election in Saturday’s Osun governorship election showed that a candidate’s credibility, competence and connection with the people could matter more than the political platform under which he contests.

The NRM said the result offered a simple lesson: when voters get the chance to choose, they look beyond the party logo to the person asking for their mandate and what he represents.

In a statement by its National Chairman, Dr Chinedu Obi, the movement congratulated Adeleke on his re-election, describing the outcome as an affirmation of the confidence reposed in him by Osun voters.

“The result is also a powerful testimony to the enduring principle that, in a democracy, the people are sovereign and their will must ultimately prevail. The electorate of Osun State have exercised their constitutional right to choose their leader, despite all odds,” Obi said.

The NRM urged Adeleke to treat the victory as a renewed responsibility to deliver better infrastructure, jobs, education, healthcare, security and economic opportunities across the state.

“A political party provides the vehicle, but it is the candidate’s record, character, competence, connection with the people and ability to inspire confidence that can determine electoral success in a genuinely competitive and credible election,” the NRM said.

It also urged Adeleke to govern for all Osun residents, including those who voted against him, while calling on political actors to respect the outcome and strengthen democracy through peaceful engagement, tolerance and respect for the rule of law.

“The people have spoken. Democracy has prevailed. The mandate must now be translated into greater service, greater development and greater prosperity for the people of Osun State,” Obi stressed.