The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Sunday declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Osun governorship election, Senator Ademola Adeleke, as winner of the poll.
Adeleke polled 403,371 votes while the incumbent Governor Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) garnered 375,027 votes.
The candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Kehinde Atanda, came third with 10,104 votes, while former Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Lasun Yusuff of the Labour Party garnered 2,729 votes.
Announcing the results at the INEC collation centre, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, who was the Returning Officer, said Adeleke polled 403,371 votes to defeat his closet rival, Governor Oyetola, the candidate of the APC, who scored 375,027 votes.
The PDP won in 17 local government areas, while APC won in 13.
The 13 local government areas won by APC are: Ilesa East, Ayedaade, Boripe, Ifedayo, Ife Central, Boripe, Ola-Oluwa, Iwo, Isokan, Irewole, Atakumosa East and Ife East.
The opposition PDP won in Boluwaduro, Osogbo, Ila, Atakumosa West, Ifelodun, Ilesa West, Odo-Otin, Obokun, Orolu, Olorunì North, Irepodun, Oriade, Ede South, Ejigbo, Ede North and Egbedore.
INEC, security agencies lauded
In their separate reactions, the PDP presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the party’s National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, commended the INEC, the Nigeria Police and the people of Osun state for the success of Saturday’s governorship election.
In a statement Sunday in Abuja, the former vice president said with PDP’s victory, the march to reclaim Nigeria’s greatness has begun.
Atiku, who disclosed that he had affection for the people of the for obvious reasons, said no matter how difficult a situation is, men and women of courage and astute valour in Osun state would never be a disappointment.
P”At this point when our country needs to take a break from the shameful effects of bad governance, it shall be on record that Osun State provided the compass into that brighter future that awaits us on the horizon, he stated.
He continued: “The referendum on the administration of the APC has commenced with the verdict of the people of Osun State in electing Senator Ademola Adeleke, while we know that the 2023 general election will be a full referendum.
“It is inconceivable that Nigerians will reward the APC for the failings of the last seven years. And in a state like Osun, for example, it’s been a long time since the people last felt the effect of good governance.
“The ship of hope is already at the harbour under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party. We shall intensify the work to ensure that we uproot all vestiges of bad governance and false hopes for the 2023 election. The Imole (light) that has started to shine from Osun shall soon have national coverage.
“One more good thing about the victory in Osun is that it has provided a catalyst for the PDP to see the opportunity when the party works together in unity. The work to bring the PDP together is a work in progress and the good news is that we are steadily making progress.”
Atiku, who commended residents of the state, assured them that with Adeleke’s emergence, illumination has come to Osun.
He congratulated Senator Adeleke “on a well-fought victory, the PDP family and all stakeholders who came together to make this sweet victory possible, adding “the march to reclaim Nigeria’s greatness has begun and it shall not stop until we achieve the goal of one people, one future and one country.”
Ayu, Okowa
In a similar message, the PDP national chairman, Dr. Ayu, said the Osun people have spoken, and Nigeria will speak in 2023 by electing its candidate, Atiku.
He explained that Oyetola and his party, the APC, did everything to frustrate their victory by denying them the use of any public facility in the state capital for the PDP mega-rally.
He claimed that twelve years ago, specifically on 26th November 2010, the PDP lost Osun state – not through the ballot box – but via a judicial coup (ruling).
“That coup (ruling) terminated the action-packed tenure of HE Olagunsoye Oyinlola. And since then, Osun has been frozen in executive misrule and underdevelopment,” he started.
“Four years ago, the PDP won the governorship, but our Candidate, Sen. Adeleke, was robbed of victory in broad daylight. We went back to the drawing board, and today, we have reclaimed our victory.
“Today is, therefore, not just a day of double restoration – it’s a day of redemption too. It restores PDP to power and redeems the Osun people from the scourge of mediocrity, empty promises and excuses.
“I congratulate the two-time winner, the tenacious Adeleke. I congratulate the good people and residents of Osun state. I hail every party stakeholder who stood with us in action, prayers and hope.
“You have kept faith with the PDP. You refused to be intimidated. You refused to be bought over with foodstuffs and 30 silver coins. You said no to thuggery and vote fraud. You have done well.
“I thank the PDP National Campaign Council for the Osun State Governorship Election, headed by HE Gov. Duoye Diri, for a superlative performance. I thank our Vice Presidential Candidate Governor Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa for tireless work.
“You have helped to return PDP to power after 12 years. You have returned hope to Osun state. But beyond this, you have renewed the quit notice on the reigning APC Federal government. PDP first issued the quit notice in December last year when this present leadership assumed office.
“This election was a referendum on the disastrous APC stewardship and proves that Nigerians want PDP back. And, indeed, PDP is coming!
“I also salute the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as security agencies for toeing the path of neutrality and ensuring that the votes counted,” Ayu said.
Also, Delta state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa congratulated Senator Adeleke on his victory.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, Okowa, who is also the party’s vice presidential candidate, described the election of Adeleke as “the affirmation of Osun people’s will.”
He called on Nigerians to always stand for good leaders with the interest of the people at heart as Osun people just did for Adeleke.
He stated that the electorate across the 30 local government areas of the state spoke loudly and very clearly in their affirmation of their choice of Adeleke as next governor.
He lauded former governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Senator Olu Alabi and other party leaders in the state for working together in the interest of PDP and Osun people.
Okowa noted that the election of Adeleke had signposted the reality of PDP’s determination to rescue Nigeria, saying “the mission has just begun”.
He said the brotherhood displayed by PDP governors and other party members towards the election of Adeleke was what the country needed currently to take the nation to greater heights in 2023.
“Let me also congratulate our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council and Governor of Bayelsa, Senator Douye Diri and other members of the campaign Council for their efforts which led to the victory of the party in Osun.
“I must also thank my principal and Presidential Candidate of our great party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, Namadi Sambo and former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, for their attendance at the rally in Osun, an action that contributed immensely to the outcome of the election,” the governor said.
Makinde too
In his congratulatory message, Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde asked Nigerian politicians to learn from Adeleke’s victory that truly, power resides with the people.
He said the victory was a clear indication that the power of the people has again triumphed and that “the power of the people will continue to triumph, the earlier politicians realise this fact, the better for our democracy.”
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Oyo State, I congratulate the Osun State Governor-Elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke and the people of Osun State on this victory”, he said.
Makinde added, “it is great to have a second PDP flag flying in the South-West and this victory teaches all politicians an important lesson- that truly, power resides with the people.”
Buhari congratulates gov-elect
In his message, President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated the governor-elect, saying the people of Osun state have expressed their will through the ballot.
In a statement by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, Sunday in Abuja, the president said the will of the people must always matter and be respected in a democracy.
He said “the successful conduct of the election is a further testimony to the maturity and commitment of all stakeholders – the electoral body, security agencies, political parties, the media, civil society and the electorate – to further strengthen the integrity of the electoral process in the country.”
Buhari reassured the nation that the commitment of this administration “toward having credible elections remains unshaken.”
It’s gateway to 2023 – Mark
Reacting to the victory, former President of the Senate David Mark said Adeleke’s victory is a testimony of the PDP’s “acceptance by the people of Osun state who desire positive changes and which will serve as required gateway for the party in winning the 2023 Presidential election.”
He said: “Your perseverance, steadfastness, focus, determination and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of the citizens of Osun state has paid off. Their votes are investments and trust in you to lead them to the Promised Land”.
The former Senate President told Adeleke to see his victory as a call to higher responsibility, the power to do good and emancipate the people from deprivation, poverty and want.
He said the victory shows that “the PDP is the party of choice and the vehicle to usher in positive changes for Nigeria in 2023.”
Landmark path for progress – Adeleke
In his acceptance speech, the governor-elect, Senator Adeleke, dedicated his victory to his late brother, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke and saluted the courage and determination of people of the state.
“I commend men and women of goodwill, the young and the old. I am overwhelmed by your love and support. Our state has turned a new page. We have launched a landmark path for the progress and prosperity of our people.
“It is therefore with a strong faith in God and trust in our people that I accept my election as the governor of Osun state. I pledge my total commitment to the best interest of the state and her people,” Adeleke stated.
Oyetola calls for calm
Meanwhile, Governor Gboyega Oyetola has appealed to his supporters to remain calm.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, the governor said the APC had taken cognisance of the results of the governorship election as announced by the INEC.
The governor, however, noted that the party would be responding appropriately after studying the results and consulting with critical stakeholders of the party.
He called on his supporters to remain calm, and the people of the state to go about their businesses without let or hindrance.
The governor also called on security operatives to ensure maintenance of law and order, while directing them to take adequate charge so as to prevent breakdown of law and order.
I’m not aware – Adamu
But featuring Sunday on Arise TV, APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu said he was not aware of his party’s loss in the governorship election.
He said to the presenter: “With due respect, my dear brother, I am just really hearing this from you. I have not formally heard the announcement from INEC, which is the independent commission responsible for election in Nigeria.
“I have not heard from them yet. Once I hear formally from INEC, I can be in a position to answer this particular question.”
When told that the results were all over the media space, he retorted: “Between me and you, I have not formally heard from INEC and I have not read the papers you are talking about. I do read some papers on my table before I have my breakfast but I haven’t done that today yet.”
On further prodding if the party would accept defeat if he finally knows the result, Adamu said: “I don’t like pre-empting my situation. You need to be patient. Since you got the result, wait for me too to receive it. You can get back to me and I will be willing to talk about it.
“Until I hear from INEC formally or my people in the control room confirm that it is the result, of course, I will abide by it. But hearing the result first from you is unacceptable. You are not INEC.”
…ICPC arrests 3
Meanwhile, operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on election monitoring duties have arrested 3 suspected vote-buyers during Saturday’s governorship election. Spokesperson of the Commission, Mrs. Azuka C. Ogugua, said this in a statement Saturday night.
They are Dapo Olayode, Kamorudeen Nafisat and Ojuade Musbau Olaniyi.
According to the statements, all the suspects were taken under caution and investigations still ongoing.
“At Ife North & Central Local Government Councils, Osun East Senatorial District, precisely at Polling Unit 7, Iremo Ward IV, one Dapo Olayode (M) was arrested by one of the Commission’s teams. Olayode was arrested with a list containing the names of voters while an Android phone was also collected from him.
“At Egbedore Local Government, Osun West Senatorial District, precisely in Polling Unit 003, Ward 10, Osunbukola Junction, Kamorudeen Nafisat (F) and Ojuade Musbau Olaniyi (M) were arrested by another team for alleged vote buying. Items collected from the duo included one Android Phone and a notebook containing a list of names of voters.
“A third team was attacked by a popular thug and his gang while attempting to effect the arrest of a vote buyer. The attack was at Polling Unit 1, Ward 7, opposite Polaris Bank, in front of Oba’s Palace, Esa-Oke, Ibokun Local Government Area. The vote buyer was caught with a list containing names of 100 persons expecting to be paid N5, 000 each. The team leader sustained serious injury in the fracas that ensued, but the team was able to retrieve the book containing the list of 100 voters,” the statement added.
Exercise hitch-free – Observers
Notwithstanding the arrests by the ICPC, a group of observers from the Centre for Democracy Development Election Analysis Centre (CDD-EAC) Sunday said the execise was hitch-free and devoid of any violence.
Senior fellow at the centre and lecturer at the University of Jos, Prof Victor Adetula said this at a media parley in Abuja.
Adetula called on all Osun state gubernatorial contestants to embrace the spirit of true sportsmanship, which entails being graceful in defeat, and exhibiting magnanimity in victory.
The centre called on political actors in the state e to maintain the peaceful and calm disposition during the post-election period.
On the basis of data received from CDD-EAC field observers, he said the collation process leading to the declaration of the Governorship election results by INEC, was smooth and free of hitches.
Analysing as given by INEC, he said Senator Adeleke polled 403,371 votes (51.8%) to defeat his closest challenger, Governor Oyetola of the APC, who polled 375,027 votes (48.2%).
He said there was significant improvement in INEC’s election logistics and poll opening time and the conduct of INEC officials.
“For example, critical materials were promptly distributed. INEC indicates that 827,218 voters were accredited out of 1,952,387 registered voters for the election, representing a 42.37% turnout.
“This is an improvement over the 36.74% voter turnout recorded in the Ekiti 2022 governorship election, and is a marginal improvement over the voter turnout of 41.34% recorded in the 2018 Osun governorship election,” he said.
On INEC deployment, the don said most of the polling units monitored by CDD-EAC observers across the 30 LGAs, INEC officials arrived early, some as early as 6:32 am, and started setting up their workspaces and removing posters of political parties.
He said one of those isolated cases was in Ward 6, polling Unit 6, Osun Ila where only 490 ballot papers were provided instead of 494 for accredited voters.
“However, INEC officials successfully resolved this issue to the satisfaction of the party agents. INEC’s logistics and preparations as well as the conduct of security agents represent a marked improvement on the June 18 Ekiti State Governorship election.
“On Vote Buying, CDD-EAC observers reported discreet vote-buying in the Osun State election in contrast with the brazen vote buying in the Ekiti State recent elections because of the presence of watchful anti-graft security personnel,” he said.
The CDD-EAC applauded the political parties which signed the Peace Accord as a mark of commitment to violence-free elections, saying this commitment apparently raised voter confidence about their security and safety during the poll.
He however noted that there were several concerns relating to the conduct of political actors, and the effects of their actions on the electoral process.