The victory of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the Osun State governorship election has opened an early window into the battle for Nigeria’s political future in 2027, former All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Timi Frank, has said.
Frank, in a statement issued in Abuja, said the outcome of the election had demonstrated that voters could withstand political pressure, inducements and other obstacles when determined to defend their choices at the ballot box.
He described the Osun result as a warning to political leaders who may assume that electoral outcomes can be predetermined, stressing that the ultimate power to decide the 2027 presidential election rests with Nigerian voters.
“President Tinubu may think he already has his election results in mind, but ultimately, it is the Nigerian people who will decide his fate through the power of their votes,” he said.
The former APC spokesman urged opposition parties to draw lessons from Osun and overcome their divisions ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that a united opposition would stand a better chance of challenging the ruling APC.
He also called on voters to move beyond merely casting their ballots by remaining at polling centres, monitoring the counting process and ensuring that their votes are properly accounted for.
“Let 2027 not be business as usual. They must vote, stay, and see their votes counted, just as they have done in Osun,” Frank said.
Frank praised Osun voters for what he described as a new form of electoral sophistication, particularly the ability of voters to accept campaign inducements without necessarily surrendering their political choices.
“I commend the people of Osun for this new political ingenuity, where money is taken, yet still voted for the candidate of their choice,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to remain peaceful but vigilant, particularly against intimidation and harassment, and to protect their votes through lawful democratic means.
Frank also praised music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, for his participation in the Osun electoral process, urging young Nigerians and celebrities to become more actively involved in politics and elections.
“Going into 2027, I call on Nigerian youths and celebrities alike to borrow a leaf from Davido, as this is not the time to sit on the fence. Nigeria belongs to all of us,” he said.
While congratulating Governor Adeleke, his supporters and the people of Osun State, Frank said the election had reaffirmed the importance of citizen participation in determining political leadership.
He urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the electoral process, arguing that political authority ultimately derives from the people.
“As we look towards 2027, let us remain peaceful, vigilant, informed, and determined. Let us encourage one another to participate actively in the electoral process and to defend our votes through lawful and democratic means,” he said.
Frank added: “The time has come for Nigerians to believe again. The time has come for the people to rise, vote, and protect their votes. The time has come to choose wisely.”
He said the Osun election should serve as a catalyst for greater voter participation in 2027 and a reminder to political actors that the electorate, rather than political calculations, would ultimately determine who wins at the polls.