The outcome of the Osun governorship election has reaffirmed that votes still matter in Nigeria, according to the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Lagos State. IPAC Chairman in Lagos, Mrs. Temilola Akinade, stated this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos. She emphasized that the election result serves as a powerful reminder that democratic processes remain intact and that citizens’ choices are respected when elections are conducted fairly.
Mrs. Akinade highlighted that the peaceful conduct of the Osun governorship election, which took place on July 14, 2024, demonstrated the resilience of Nigeria’s electoral system. She noted that despite challenges faced in previous elections, the recent poll showed that voters can influence outcomes through their ballots. “This election has nullified the belief that votes no longer count in Nigeria,” she said, underscoring the importance of civic engagement and voter participation.
The election saw incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defeat his closest rival, Senator Isiaka Adeleke of the All Progressives Congress (APC), by a significant margin. Official results from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed Adeleke’s victory with over 50% of the votes cast. The election was marked by high turnout, minimal violence, and relatively smooth counting and transmission of results.
IPAC Lagos praised INEC for its efforts in ensuring transparency and credibility throughout the electoral process. Mrs. Akinade commended security agencies for maintaining order and allowing voters to exercise their rights without fear. She also called on political parties to respect the will of the people and work towards national unity, especially in the aftermath of any electoral contest.
She stressed that the success of the Osun election should serve as a model for other states preparing for upcoming polls. “If we can do it in Osun, we can replicate it across the country,” she said, urging stakeholders to focus on improving voter education and electoral infrastructure. The council also encouraged young people and first-time voters to remain active in politics, noting that their participation strengthens democracy.
Looking ahead, Mrs. Akinade expressed hope that the positive experience in Osun would inspire confidence in future elections, including the 2027 general elections. She believes that sustained commitment to electoral reforms and public trust can further solidify Nigeria’s democratic foundations. The Osun election, she concluded, is not just a win for one party or candidate, but a victory for Nigerian democracy itself.
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