By Bamofin Ladipo Johnson
Yesterday, the resilient people of Osun State did not merely cast their ballots; they defended the very soul of Nigerian democracy. In the face of coordinated harassment, systemic intimidation, and a desperate blitz of financial inducements, the citizens of Osun stood unbowed. They sent an unequivocal message across the length and breadth of this nation: the sovereignty of the people is not for sale.
I warmly congratulate the good people of Osun State on ensuring the re-election of a leadership they believe has performed. This victory belongs entirely to the everyday market women, the courageous youth, and the steadfast elders who looked oppression in the eye and refused to blink.
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.
This historic triumph must serve as a resounding Clarion Call for all Nigerians. What happened in Osun is a roadmap for our collective liberation. It proves that no matter the size of the treasury deployed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and no matter the security apparatus weaponised against the public, a united electorate will always defeat political tyranny.
To my fellow citizens across Nigeria, and especially to the people of Lagos State: let Osun be your 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!
By Bamofin Ladipo Johnson
Senatorial Candidate, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Lagos Central Senatorial District
