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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended Osun State voters for defending their democratic mandate 7 Saturday’s governorship election, while urging relevant agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of vote buying linked to the poll.

The group also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for the largely peaceful conduct of the election, describing the exercise as an important lesson for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement yesterday and signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said voters deserved commendation for turning out despite the tension and violence that characterised the weeks preceding the election.

The Association said that the ability of voters to cast their ballots and remain vigilant throughout the process represented a significant victory for democracy, particularly given the reported cases of violence and killings before the polls.

It, however, congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party on his re-election, urging him to regard the victory as a mandate to govern the entire state rather than only those who supported his candidacy.

HURIWA also urged Adeleke to use his renewed mandate to promote reconciliation and improve the welfare of the people, warning against political victimisation.

It, however, urged security agencies to investigate reported cases of violence associated with the Osun election and ensure that perpetrators were brought to justice regardless of their political connections.

ALSO, Yiaga Africa has described the just-concluded Osun State governorship election as a significant demonstration of how technology, citizen vigilance and institutional preparedness can strengthen electoral integrity.

It said the official results announced by INEC were consistent with its independent verification of ballots counted at polling units.

Yiaga Africa said the results fell within its estimated ranges, providing evidence that the official figures were consistent with the ballots counted at polling units.

It stressed, however, that the finding did not amount to an endorsement of the entire electoral process, particularly amid widespread reports of vote buying and voter inducement.

HOWEVER, the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, hinted that the party had already commenced consultation with its legal team over the outcome of Saturday’s governorship polls, which the party lost to Adeleke of the Accord Party.

In a statement by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC said that it was studying the results of the governorship election in each of the 332 wards across the state.

“An election cannot be said to have been concluded without having to explore legal opportunity to correct anomalies observed in the process of the election as enshrined in the Electoral Act 2026 as amended,” the APC stated.

MEANWHILE, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has congratulated Adeleke on his re-election, stating that it is a victory for democracy and the teeming people of Osun State.

This was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan, yesterday, by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

Makinde celebrated Adeleke for reaping the reward of serving his people committedly through several achievements and delivery of good governance.

He equally lauded the people of Osun State for showing politicians where the power lies by voting with resolution and courage despite the violence and sheer display of federal might.

He urged Adeleke to see his re-election as an encouragement to deliver more development to the state.

SIMILARLY, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have congratulated Adeleke on his re-election victory.

The NGF, in a statement by the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commended the Osun people for the large voter turnout last Saturday.

According to the statement, the NGF said the interest generated by the off-cycle ballot again confirmed the resilience of Nigerian democracy.

The ADC, in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the election was not just a personal victory for the governor, but also a victory for the people of Osun State and for opposition leaders and supporters who worked together to defeat what it called “the APC tyranny.” (Guardian)

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