CJID deploys observers, fact-checkers, analysts across Osun for 2026 governorship election

Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has accused the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, of considering an election to be free and fair only when the All Progressives Congress, APC, loses. Ahmad made this remark in response to Obi's statement that the people of Osun State should decide their next governor on Saturday.

In a post on X, Obi wrote, "Osun State: Let The People choose, let peace Prevail." Responding to Obi's statement, Ahmad questioned whether Obi would congratulate the APC governorship candidate if he were to win the election. He wrote, "All that you have said sounds good, Mr. Peter Obi, but the real test will come if the good people of Osun vote tomorrow and the APC eventually wins, as all indications suggest."

Ahmad went on to say, "We will see if you and those who share your position will come here to congratulate the winner and acknowledge that the election was credible." He added, "Because, unfortunately, the impression given by you and many others is that an election is considered “free and credible” only when the APC loses."

Ahmad emphasized the importance of respecting democracy, regardless of the outcome of the election. He urged Obi and others to accept and congratulate the winner, even if the result does not align with their preferred candidate.