RismadarVoice Reporters, August 16, 2026
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory in the Osun State governorship election as a “foreshadowing” of the 2027 general elections, saying the outcome reflects Nigerians’ resolve to resist attempts to undermine their votes.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, Comrade Ini Ememobong, stated this in a statement issued on Sunday following the declaration of Adeleke as winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ememobong said the victory came despite what he described as attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to deploy its “entire rigging machinery” to secure Osun State.
He alleged that opposition politicians faced intimidation, assaults and arrests during the election period, while also accusing security agencies and other national institutions of partiality.
The PDP spokesman particularly criticised the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that their actions, including the freezing of the state government’s accounts, undermined the electoral process.
He also questioned the delay in the electronic upload of results from 470 polling units, describing the development as capable of undermining public confidence in the election.
The PDP, however, commended Osun voters for what it described as their resilience and vigilance in protecting the integrity of the ballot.
Ememobong urged Nigerians to remain vigilant ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that voters must not only cast their ballots but also protect and defend their votes.
He said the Osun outcome should serve as a warning to political actors and institutions against attempts to manipulate election results.
According to him, the Osun election represents an “advance payment” against the APC, with the PDP expecting Nigerians to reject the ruling party at the 2027 polls.
He maintained that election results must reflect the free choice of voters rather than “the whims and caprices of a privileged minority,” urging Nigerians to remain vigilant in defence of democracy.
