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Oshogbo, Nigeria—Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, then the Governor-Elect, demonstrated statesmanship by congratulating Professor Charles Soludo on his victory in the November 2021 Anambra State Governorship Election.

Adeleke, who was then preparing for his own gubernatorial bid, used the opportunity to underscore the paramount importance of respecting the democratic process and the will of the electorate.

The Message of Democracy

While the news report is a reflection of a statement made in late 2021, its message remains a cornerstone of democratic governance:

"The victory of Professor Charles Soludo is a testament to the fact that power truly resides with the people. I extend my warm congratulations to him and the people of Anambra State for a relatively peaceful and successful electoral outcome," Adeleke stated at the time.

Plea for Respect of the Electorate

Adeleke's statement went beyond mere congratulations, as he used it to address the persistent issues of electoral malpractice and post-election litigation in Nigeria. He specifically urged all political actors to respect the choice made by the majority of voters.

"I urge all parties and individuals involved in the political contest to see the outcome as the voice of the people. In every democracy, the decision of the voters is supreme and must be respected by all. This spirit of respecting the people's choice is what strengthens our democracy," he added.

A Pattern of Statesmanship

Adeleke's congratulatory message to Soludo, a candidate from a different political party (All Progressives Grand Alliance - APGA), was seen by analysts as a display of cross-party political maturity, coming months before Adeleke himself would win the Osun governorship election in July 2022.

The statement was made after Professor Charles Soludo, the candidate of APGA, secured a landslide victory in the Anambra Governorship election, defeating the candidates of the PDP and the APC.