Adeleke’s Osun Re-Election Triumph For Democracy, Says Ex-APC Spokesman

A former spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Seye Oladejo, has described Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election in Osun State as a victory for democracy and a setback for the growing perception that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state.

Oladejo, in a statement issued on Monday, said the outcome of the election demonstrated the resilience and competitiveness of Nigeria’s democratic system.

He said democracy was not determined by how frequently the ruling party won elections, but by whether citizens retained the freedom to choose their leaders and whether their choices were respected.

According to him, Adeleke’s victory was bigger than the success of an individual candidate or political party, as it showed that voters could still produce unexpected electoral outcomes.

Oladejo said the increasing movement of politicians into the APC had fuelled concerns about the future of opposition politics in Nigeria, but argued that the Osun election had provided a “useful reality check” to such fears.

He noted that Adeleke, who contested under a platform outside the ruling party, was able to secure re-election, describing the outcome as evidence that the APC’s growing political influence did not guarantee control of every electoral space.

“There is nothing in democracy called the ‘invincibility of the ruling party.’ Absolutely nothing. No ruling party, regardless of its structure, influence, resources, incumbency or political pedigree, possesses a permanent certificate of victory,” he said.

The former APC spokesman urged political parties, including the ruling party, to avoid complacency and approach every election as a fresh contest in which candidates must earn the confidence of voters.

He also said the electorate should never be treated as politically predictable, stressing that voters could change their choices based on candidates, performance and prevailing circumstances.

Oladejo commended President Bola Tinubu for accepting Adeleke’s victory and congratulating him, saying democratic credentials were tested not only when a candidate’s party wins but also when it loses.

He, however, urged Adeleke to see his re-election as a renewed responsibility to deliver better governance, particularly in infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, job creation and economic development.

“An electoral victory is not the destination. It is permission to govern,” he said.

Oladejo said the Osun election could serve as an important lesson ahead of the 2027 general elections, adding that the outcome had shown that Nigeria’s political space remained competitive.

He concluded that the election had reinforced the principle that political mandates must be earned and that the electorate remained the ultimate power in a democracy.