The Kano State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Aminu Gwarzo, has described Ademola Adeleke’s victory in the Osun State governorship election as evidence that Nigerian voters are increasingly prepared to defend their democratic mandates.
Gwarzo said the outcome demonstrated that political power ultimately belongs to the people.
His comments followed the declaration of Adeleke as winner of the August 15 governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Adeleke secured 511,067 votes to defeat APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes. The result gave the incumbent a margin of 66,252 votes.
Reacting to the outcome, Gwarzo said the Osun election showed the importance of voters standing by their choices during the electoral process.
His comments come amid continuing political discussions about the strength of political parties, voter mobilisation and the ability of incumbents and opposition candidates to retain or win political offices.
The Osun election had attracted considerable national attention, with the APC deploying prominent national figures and governors to campaign for its candidate.
Adeleke’s victory ultimately secured him another term and provided the Accord Party with a major electoral result ahead of the 2027 political season.
Gwarzo’s reaction also reflects the broader political significance being attached to the Osun outcome as parties begin positioning themselves for the next general election.