#OsunDecides2026: Rhodes-Vivour hails voters’ ‘spectacular triumph against tyranny’

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the former Lagos State Labour Party candidate, has commended the citizens of Osun State for their "spectacular triumph against tyranny" in the recent gubernatorial election. In a statement on his X account, Rhodes-Vivour emphasized that the electoral results showed that intimidation and inducement could not deter a populace committed to upholding their democratic rights.

He highlighted the importance of voters determining election outcomes and urged them to use this lesson in the upcoming general elections. After the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Ademola Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, the winner with 511,067 votes, Rhodes-Vivour's comments arrived just hours later.

Adeleke secured 19 of the state's 30 local government areas, while his closest competitor, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, garnered 444,815 votes. This victory marked a political comeback for Adeleke, who had previously been associated with the Peoples Democratic Party. Concerns surrounding the election, including allegations of vote-buying, financial inducement, and voter intimidation, were raised by civil society groups.

However, INEC's final result confirmed Adeleke's victory, followed by the African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam. Rhodes-Vivour's remarks reflect the growing anticipation for the 2027 general elections, as political parties and opposition groups prepare for the next electoral cycle.