Political commentator, economist and philosopher, Dr Peter Anosike has described the outcome of the Osun State governorship election as a demonstration of voters’ determination to resist political pressure, while calling for what he termed a “democratic rebellion of the people” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a live edition of The Issues on Voice of the People TV, Dr Anosike praised Osun voters for what he described as their determination to defend their votes, while strongly criticising the ruling All Progressives Congress and the deployment of political and security heavyweights to the state during the election.
Anosike calls for “democratic rebellion”
Dr Anosike said the Osun result represented what he described as a victory for citizens against excessive political influence and alleged intimidation.
“If I were the governor of Osun State, I would have declared today ‘Sweeping Day’ in Osun just to sweep out the legs of the evil people that came into the state… 16 governors came to Osun with their security details—some came with armed robbers and kidnappers,” he said.
He described the election as an indication that Nigerians could change the country’s political direction if they united around their votes.
“What we need to take back power is a democratic rebellion of the people, because a united people can never be defeated. Osun people stood their ground and said enough of this madness, enough of this impunity,” Dr Anosike said.
INEC conduct comes under scrutiny
The analyst also questioned the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission during the election, particularly the reported delay in the collation of results.
Dr Anosike alleged that INEC was prepared to manipulate the outcome but was restrained by the vigilance of voters.
“INEC was prepared to rig that election… but when they saw how determined these people were—that the state would burn if they failed to declare the real result—that is why they declared it. There was a stoppage in the collation of results for more than two hours,” he alleged.
The allegation was made by Dr Anosike during the broadcast and represents his assessment of events. INEC has previously maintained that the Osun election was conducted in accordance with established procedures and has rejected allegations of fake voters.
Adeleke’s position on Tinubu questioned
Dr Anosike also criticised Governor Ademola Adeleke over his reported political posture towards President Bola Tinubu, arguing that support expressed during a state election should not automatically determine a politician’s position in a presidential contest.
“He lost my respect for endorsing Tinubu… State election and federal election are not the same. It is an eye-opener for Nigerians. Osun is now the model for 2027,” he said.
His comments come amid broader political realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with opposition parties and political movements exploring possible alliances.
Heavy political presence in Osun
The Osun election attracted significant attention from political leaders across the country, with numerous governors, federal ministers, senators and other political figures campaigning and mobilising support in the state.
Critics of the scale of the mobilisation described the presence of federal political heavyweights and security personnel as an attempt to exert undue influence on voters.
The election has consequently become an important reference point in discussions about the relationship between political power, security agencies and voters during Nigerian elections.
Opposition momentum builds ahead of 2027
The outcome has also intensified discussions about the prospects of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Opposition figures have interpreted the Osun result as evidence of growing voter dissatisfaction with the ruling party, while political strategists are examining whether the cooperation demonstrated by opposition forces in the state can be replicated nationally.
Potential opposition realignment involving political figures and movements associated with Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso could further shape the political landscape as parties prepare for 2027.
Beyond the immediate contest for the governorship, the election has become a broader test of whether voters can withstand political pressure and determine electoral outcomes through their ballots.
Dr Anosike’s intervention adds to calls for stronger electoral institutions, greater transparency in result collation and increased vigilance by citizens ahead of the 2027 elections.
For Nigerians, the central question now is whether the political mobilisation witnessed in Osun can translate into a sustained national demand for accountable leadership or remain an isolated state-level electoral development.
WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE:
Discover more from VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
