A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Timi Frank has described Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election victory in the Osun State governorship poll as a powerful demonstration of the will and power of ordinary citizens and a warning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Frank gave the reaction in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.
He said the outcome of Saturday’s election showed that voters could withstand political pressure, intimidation and other challenges when determined to defend their choices at the ballot box.
Adeleke, the incumbent governor, won the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election and was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, August 16.
He contested on the Accord Party platform and polled 511,067 votes.
His closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the APC, scored 444,815 votes, giving Adeleke a winning margin of 66,252 votes.
Najeem Salaam of the ADC came third with 17,180 votes.
Adeleke reportedly won 19 of the state’s 30 LGAs, while Oyebamiji won 11.
Reacting to the result, Frank said the outcome should serve as an important signal to political parties and candidates preparing for the 2027 presidential election.
He said President Bola Tinubu and other political actors should not assume that electoral outcomes had already been determined, stressing that the ultimate decision rested with Nigerian voters.
“Nigerian people who will decide his fate through the power of their votes,” he said.
Frank, who is also the United Liberation Movement for West Papua Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, called on opposition political parties to put aside their differences and work towards a common strategy ahead of 2027.
According to him, the Osun result shows that a coordinated opposition could pose a serious challenge to the ruling APC if voters remain engaged and political parties build effective structures.
He urged Nigerians, particularly voters, to remain vigilant throughout the electoral process, saying participation should not end with casting ballots.
“Let 2027 not be business as usual. They must vote, stay, and see their votes counted, just as they have done in Osun,” Frank added.
He commended the people of Osun State for what he described as their political ingenuity, particularly their ability to resist inducements and still vote according to their conscience.
“I commend the people of Osun for this new political ingenuity, where money is taken, yet still voted for the candidate of their choice.
“After all, the money belongs to us as citizens, as it was taken from government coffers,” he said.
Frank urged Nigerians to remain peaceful while defending their votes through lawful and democratic means, particularly in the face of what he described as alleged harassment and intimidation during elections.
He also commended Nigerian music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, for his interest in electoral matters and urged young Nigerians and celebrities to become more actively involved in the democratic process.
“Going into 2027, I call on Nigerian youths and celebrities alike to borrow a leaf from Davido, as this is not the time to sit on the fence. Nigeria belongs to all of us,” he said.
Frank congratulated Adeleke, his supporters and the people of Osun State, describing the election as another reminder of the importance of citizens’ participation in democracy.
He urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the electoral process, arguing that political power ultimately belonged to the people and that elected leaders should reflect the will of the electorate.
“As we look towards 2027, let us remain peaceful, vigilant, informed, and determined.
“Let us encourage one another to participate actively in the electoral process and to defend our votes through lawful and democratic means.
“The time has come for Nigerians to believe again. The time has come for the people to rise, vote, and protect their votes. The time has come to choose wisely,” he added.
He noted that the Osun election should encourage greater participation in the 2027 elections and inspire Nigerians to work towards building a political system that serves the interests of citizens.
