2027: Learn From Osun Voters, NNPP Scribe Tells Nigerians

By Sunday Ameh

The National Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Dipo Olayoku, has urged Nigerians to emulate what he described as the resilience and political determination of Osun voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Olayoku made the call on Monday while speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, during a review of the August 15 Osun governorship election.

He said the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke demonstrated that voters could remain committed to their political convictions despite pressure, intimidation and other challenges surrounding elections.

Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, secured 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.

According to Olayoku, the significance of the election went beyond Adeleke’s victory, stressing that Osun voters demonstrated that political godfathers could not easily dictate their choices.

“If people are united on some things, nothing can change their opinion. That is exactly what the election shows.”

The NNPP chieftain said voters should not stop at casting their ballots but must remain vigilant through the counting and collation stages to ensure their votes are protected.

He, however, expressed concerns over allegations of intimidation, violence, vote-buying and political interference during the election.

Olayoku also questioned the handling of alleged vote-buying, citing a social media post by a woman who allegedly claimed she received N15,000 to vote for the APC.

He further criticised the freezing of the Osun State Government’s account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission shortly before the election, noting that the account was later ordered unfrozen by President Bola Tinubu.

“But what people are praising is the resilience of the people of Osun,” Olayoku said.

He urged Nigerians to take the lesson into the 2027 elections, saying determined voters could withstand political pressure and ensure their choices prevail.

“That’s the lesson from the Osun election, not because the opposition won, but because they maintained and retained their resolve to win the election.”