Ajibola Oluwarotimi, a chieftain of the Accord Party, said that the victory of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the just-concluded Osun governorship election was a victory for the people and a demonstration of the power of popular support.

Mr Oluwarotimi made the statement during an interview with journalists in Lagos on Sunday while reacting to the outcome of the election.

He said that the outcome of the election was a reflection of Accord’s strength and its popularity with Nigerians.

According to INEC, Mr Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 444,815 votes.

Mr Oluwarotimi said the victory had created a new chapter for Accord and demonstrated that sustained grassroots mobilisation, public confidence and commitment could produce electoral success.

“The people of Osun have spoken through the ballot, and their voice has prevailed,” he said.

He alleged that the electioneering process was characterised by intense campaigns, harassment, intimidation, blackmail, vote buying and other irregularities, but the people of Osun State remained resolute.

“Despite the challenges and pressures surrounding the electoral process, the people remained determined to exercise their democratic rights and make their choice,” he said.

Mr Oluwarotimi congratulated Mr Adeleke on his victory, saying that his re-election on the Accord platform was a defining moment for the party.

“This is not merely an electoral victory; it is a demonstration of what can happen when the people unite behind a common aspiration and refuse to surrender their democratic voice,” he said.

He said the victory should serve as an encouragement to Accord members and supporters across the country to strengthen the party’s structures and expand its grassroots engagement.

“The lesson from Osun is clear: immense love, support and dedication from the people remain a powerful recipe for political victory,” Mr Oluwarotimi said.

He urged the party’s leadership and supporters to see the victory as an opportunity to promote inclusive governance, people-oriented policies and responsible political participation.

“This victory comes with a responsibility.

“We must ensure that the confidence reposed in us by the people is justified through purposeful leadership, inclusion and genuine service,” he said.

Mr Oluwarotimi commended the people of Osun State for participating in the electoral process, urging political actors to accept the outcome and work towards strengthening democracy.

“We congratulate Gov. Ademola Adeleke and the good people of Osun State.

“The people have spoken, and their decision must be respected,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the political success recorded by Accord in Osun could be replicated in other states through effective grassroots mobilisation and people-centred political engagement.

“Osun has shown that the people remain the ultimate force in any democratic contest.

“Across other states, the same principle can be replicated if we remain committed to the people,” he said.

Mr Oluwarotimi said the movement would continue to promote political participation and democratic values, stressing that the victory marked the beginning of a broader political journey rather than its conclusion.

“The movement continues, the journey continues and the history continues.

“Accord party remains committed to the people,” he said. 

(NAN)