By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Lagos Central Senatorial District Candidate, Mr Ladipo Johnson, has congratulate the people of Osun on ensuring the re-election of Gov. Ademola Adeleke, describing him as a leadership the people of Osun believe has performed in governance.

Johnson in a statement on Sunday in Abuja said that the victory belonged entirely to the everyday market women, the courageous youth, and the steadfast elders who looked oppression in the eye and refused to blink.

Johnson said that Osun governorship election had redefined Nigeria’s democratic destiny.

He noted that the resilient people of Osun State did not merely cast their ballots; they defended the very soul of Nigerian democracy.

He noted that in the face of harassment, intimidation, and financial inducements, the citizens of Osun stood unbowed.

He said that the people of the state also sent an unequivocal message across the length and breadth of the nation that “the sovereignty of the people is not for sale.”

“The reports from the field—juxtaposed against the shameful spectacles of financial inducements up to ₦50,000—showed a populace completely transformed.

“By rejecting these bribes and loudly chanting “Owo wo ina,” the Osun electorate effectively told political merchants that dignity, good governance, and the future of their children cannot be bought.

“They took the money meant to compromise them, threw its influence into the fire, and voted their conscience,” he said.

Johnson said that the historic triumph must serve as a resounding clarion call for all Nigerians.

“What happened in Osun is a roadmap for our collective liberation,” he said.

Johnson urged Nigerians, especially to the people of Lagos State to let Osun be their inspiration.

“We must refuse to be cowed into submission. We must reject the fatalistic lie that our votes do not count.

“When we turn out en masse, when we stand firm at our polling units, and when we fiercely protect our ballots, the true will of the people will always prevail.

“Let this momentum carry us forward. The era of political complacency is over.

“Osun has lit the torch of resistance and democratic integrity; we must now carry that flame into every local government, every ward, and every polling unit across Nigeria. Stand up, show up, vote, and defend your mandate!” Johnson said