Osun Election Has Shown Voters Can Defeat Rigging – Pat Utomi

Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, has described the outcome of the Osun State governorship election as evidence that the will of the electorate can overcome attempts at electoral manipulation.
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‎Utomi, in a statement posted on his verified X handle, commended Osun voters following the declaration of incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke as winner of the August 15 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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‎According to the results announced by INEC, Adeleke secured 511,067 votes across 19 Local Government Areas, defeating his major challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 444,815 votes in 11 Local Government Areas.
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‎Reacting to the result, Utomi said the election demonstrated that determined citizens could resist forces seeking to manipulate electoral outcomes.
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‎“Nigeria we hail thee. So the people triumphed in the state of Osun,” he wrote.
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‎“Like in Kano in years before, the people proved that their will can triumph over the forces of rigging.”
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‎Utomi also attributed the outcome to voter participation and determination, arguing that citizens could protect democratic processes when they actively participate in elections.
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‎“Massive turn out and a fighting spirit can save democracy. On to 2027 in confidence,” he said.