The Saturday concluded Local Government (LG) election in Osun State stands as a monumental victory for democracy and the indomitable spirit of the great people of Osun State.
In the past two weeks, events have revealed the true character of the political actors in the state. While the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), displayed desperation, frustration, and a blatant disregard for democratic principles, the people of Osun rose above chaos to defend their mandate and reaffirm their trust in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)-led administration.
This election has not only exposed the opposition’s inadequacies but has also solidified the people’s resolve to never return to the era of rudderless governance. The opposition party tried to stop the election process through reckless, undemocratic actions and abuse of power by those who are power drunk with the FEDERAL MIGHT forgetting that there were people there before and history will never forget their actions.
From baseless allegations to outright attempts to sabotage the electoral process, the APC demonstrated a level of desperation that was both shocking and disappointing. Their actions were not just an attack on the PDP but an assault on the very foundation of democracy in Osun State.
One of the most egregious examples of the opposition’s recklessness was the call by an assumed smart gubernatorial aspirant for a “State Of Emergency” in Osun. A statement, which was clearly aimed at destabilizing the state, revealed the opposition’s willingness to sacrifice the peace and progress of Osun for their selfish political gains. It was a desperate move that further alienated them from the people, who saw through their antics and rejected their attempts to sow discord, hence, the resoluteness of the people to maintaining peace and orderliness.
Another intellectual dishonesty also on full display during this period was when a journalist-turned-political jobber, in a shocking display of arrogance, attempted to challenge the interpretation of a Court of Appeal judgment by a renowned Constitutional Law Professor with over four decades of experience. The professor provided a clear and accurate analysis of the judgment, which affirmed the legality of the LG election and called the council invasion illegal.
However, the opposition figure chose to peddle falsehoods and misinformation, further exposing their lack of credibility and respect for intellectual discourse. The same person was preaching about avoidance of activities that could burn down the state. However, can an election burn down the state if it wasn’t the intention of his paymaster?
In the face of these challenges, Governor Ademola Adeleke and his team exhibited remarkable leadership, wisdom, and resilience. Despite the opposition’s attempts to create chaos and confusion through various angles and compromised institutions, the Governor remained steadfast in his commitment to ensuring a free, fair, transparent election and at the same time ensuring that no further lives were lost amid the Nigeria Police Force social media announcement of security threat.
His administration’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and protecting the interests of the people of Osun has further earned him widespread admiration and support amongst his people. The Governor’s advisers should be commended for their crucial role in navigating the political landscape and resisting the pressure from the federal might. Their strategic thinking and unwavering commitment to the development of the state have been instrumental in ensuring the predictions of loom seekers failed woefully. The Governor’s leadership has shown that it is possible to govern with integrity, compassion, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of the people.
To the main heroes; the true heroes of the LG election success are the people of Osun State. Known for their bravery, resilience, and unwavering commitment to democracy, the people came out en masse to vote for the candidates of the PDP. Their overwhelming support for the PDP-led administration is a clear rejection of the opposition’s era of misgovernance and a reaffirmation of their trust in Governor Adeleke’s leadership. The people of Osun defended their democracy by ensuring that the election was conducted peacefully and that their voices were heard.
Unlike the opposition, who resorted to illegal means and attempted to impose themselves as chairmen and councillors despite not having certificates of return, the people stood firm in their resolve to protect their mandate and their governor. The opposition’s attempt to throw the state into chaos by parading themselves as chairmen and councillors without any legal basis reflects their desperation and lack of respect for the rule of law. Their actions were orchestrated by a group of rejected politicians who cannot come to terms with the fact that the people of Osun have moved on from their era of misgovernance.
The Osun LG election is not just a victory for the PDP; it is a victory for democracy, the rule of law, and the people of Osun State. The election has proven that the people are the true winners and that their voices cannot be silenced by the antics of desperate politicians. Governor Ademola Adeleke has also shown that it is possible to govern with integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to the development of the state.
As the PDP-led administration continues to deliver on its promises, the people of Osun can be rest assured that their future is in safe hands. The opposition’s desperation and frustration have further reinforced the need to keep them far away from the seat of power in the state. The people of Osun have spoken loud and clear: they will not tolerate any attempt to undermine their democracy or destabilize their state.
This victory is a reminder that democracy thrives when the people are determined to defend it. The opposition’s descent into chaos and desperation has only strengthened the resolve of the people to support the PDP-led administration and reject any attempt to return to the era of rudderless governance. The people of Osun have won, and their victory is a beacon of hope for democracy in Nigeria. As they continue to build a brighter future for their state, the people can take pride in knowing that they have defended their democracy and secured a better tomorrow for generations to come. The Osun LG election is not just a victory for the PDP; it is a victory for the people, for democracy, and for the enduring spirit of Osun State.
James Bamgbose is the Deputy Director of Media, Osun PDP and can be reached via email at bamgbosejames9@gmail.com
