The Lagos State governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Prince Laja Adeoye, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election for a second term, describing the outcome as a victory for democracy and the will of the people.
According to figures collated and announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from the 30 local government areas of Osun State, Adeleke of the Accord Party polled 511,067 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 444,815 votes.
The result gave Adeleke a winning margin of 66,252 votes. He secured victory in 19 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won in 11.
In a statement signed by his Media Office on Sunday, Adeoye said the result demonstrated the determination of the Osun electorate to defend its democratic choice despite what he described as intimidation, heavy security deployment and other attempts to influence the outcome.
“The outcome of this election is a powerful reminder to the ruling APC that a determined people cannot be defeated,” Adeoye said.
“Even if all the funds in the nation’s treasury are expended and every apparatus of the state is deployed against the will of the people, that will shall still prevail.
“The Osun electorate has shown Nigeria once again that votes, when protected and courageously cast, remain the ultimate weapon against political tyranny.”
Adeoye drew lessons from the Osun election for Lagos, urging residents of the state to use their votes to seek political change in the 2027 governorship election.
He accused the APC of seeking to perpetuate its political dominance in Lagos despite what he described as persistent challenges confronting residents, including flooding, traffic congestion, youth unemployment and the housing crisis.
“I call on the good people of Lagos to brace up. The determination of the Osun people and the power of their votes have shown us the way. In 2027, Lagosians can and must end APC misrule through the same resolve and the ballot box,” he said.
The APM candidate said his party would offer an alternative based on what he described as credible leadership, prudent fiscal management and people-centred policies.
“APM offers a credible alternative. With the right leadership, we will deliver better policies, prudent fiscal management, and practical solutions to the everyday challenges of our people — including annual flooding, crippling traffic gridlock, youth unemployment, the housing crisis, and more,” he said.
Adeoye also called on Nigerians to support the APM in the 2027 general elections, saying the party had presented former Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as its presidential candidate.
He pledged that, if elected governor of Lagos, his administration would prioritise responsive and people-oriented governance.
The APM candidate further urged Adeleke to remain committed to the mandate given to him by the Osun electorate and to serve the people with greater dedication.
“He must not take this hard-won mandate to the APC at the presidential level in 2027, as that would amount to a betrayal of the trust the people have placed in him,” Adeoye warned.
