Opposition heavyweights, Peter Obi and Bukola Saraki have added their voices to a growing chorus of congratulatory messages for Governor Ademola Adeleke following his re-election as Osun State governor, both framing the outcome as a broader statement about the resilience of Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement posted to his X handle, Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi congratulated Adeleke and commended the people of Osun State for what he called a courageous and clear-cut democratic decision.

He praised the youths in the state for peacefully defending their votes throughout the process, describing the outcome as proof that the power to choose leaders ultimately belongs to the people. Obi used the moment to draw a wider lesson for the country, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant, alert and committed to ensuring their votes count, particularly with the 2027 general election on the horizon.

He added that elections should never be contests of violence but of ideas, competence, character and service, and expressed hope that the Osun experience would strengthen public confidence in the democratic process nationwide.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki struck a similarly warm but more personal tone, referring to Adeleke as his “dear brother and friend” in a message shared on his X handle. Saraki described the re-election as a clear vote of confidence from Osun residents, who he said had four years to weigh Adeleke’s promises against his performance in office and chose to give him another term.

He called it one of the strongest possible endorsements a leader can receive: the freely expressed verdict of the people he serves. Saraki also commended Osun voters for turning out and remaining vigilant in defending their ballots, framing the credibility of the election as significant at a time when concerns persist nationally about the strength of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

He urged Adeleke to use the renewed mandate to consolidate on the gains of his first term.

The two join a lengthening list of political figures who have reacted to Adeleke’s victory, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso, both of whom similarly credited the outcome to the resolve of Osun voters. Adeleke, who ran on the Accord Party platform after defecting from the PDP late last year, defeated APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji by a margin of 66,252 votes, securing 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas in a poll that was closely watched as a test of opposition unity ahead of the 2027 general election.