The recent Osun governorship election has been cited by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as proof that Nigeria’s democracy is making progress.
Speaking at the seventh annual lecture of Freedom Online in Ikeja, Lagos, Sanwo-Olu praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for accepting the outcome of the election, despite the ruling APC losing to Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party.
He said the development showed that a ruling party could lose an election without the democratic process being undermined.
Sanwo-Olu also highlighted electoral reforms, including the Electoral Act 2022, the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026 and the increasing use of technology in voter accreditation and results transmission.
He, however, urged INEC to ensure adequate preparations for the 2027 general elections and called on political parties and their supporters to respect the electoral process.
The governor said voters would judge political leaders by their performance in office, noting that citizens understand the impact of government policies on their daily lives.
He also charged the media to remain independent and hold politicians accountable, while warning against misinformation and manipulated content ahead of the 2027 elections.
