Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his decision to allow the will of Osun voters to prevail during the August 15 governorship election.
Fayose said the Federal Government did not deploy its influence to manipulate the outcome of the election, arguing that the result demonstrated that voters were allowed to freely choose their preferred candidate.
The former governor made the remarks while discussing the outcome of the Osun governorship election and the political implications of the poll ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Fayose, if the Federal Government had decided to use its full influence to determine the outcome of the election, the result could have been different. He therefore praised Tinubu for allowing the electoral process to take its course.
Fayose’s comments come after the election in which Governor Ademola Adeleke secured victory over the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
The result has generated considerable political discussion, particularly over the role of the Federal Government and the ruling APC in the election.
Fayose argued that the outcome should be viewed as evidence that the electorate was able to exercise its democratic rights.
He also noted that the result could have wider implications for political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections, although he cautioned against drawing conclusions about future elections solely from the Osun contest.
The former governor’s position comes amid continuing debates over the conduct of elections in Nigeria and the influence of federal and state authorities during electoral contests.
His comments also contrast with concerns previously raised by some opposition figures, who have questioned the neutrality of government institutions during elections.
Meanwhile, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike similarly argued that Adeleke’s victory demonstrated that the Tinubu administration did not use federal power to frustrate the opposition. Wike said the President’s decision to allow a free and fair contest made the outcome possible.
The Osun election is being closely watched by political observers as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 general elections.
The outcome has also prompted discussions about voter preferences, party strength and the changing political landscape in the South-West.
Fayose urged political actors to respect the choices of voters and allow democratic institutions to function without undue interference.
He maintained that political parties should concentrate on winning the confidence of citizens through effective campaigns, credible candidates and policies capable of addressing the needs of the people.
The former governor’s remarks are expected to generate further reactions from political parties and stakeholders as they continue to assess the lessons of the Osun election.
With preparations for 2027 already gaining momentum, the conduct and outcome of off-cycle elections such as Osun are likely to remain important factors in the political calculations of major parties.
Category: Political News / Election
