Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, has described the outcome of the Osun State governorship election as evidence that voters can overcome electoral manipulation.

In a statement shared on his verified X handle on Sunday, Utomi congratulated the people of Osun State following the declaration of incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke as the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Adeleke won in 19 Local Government Areas, securing 511,067 votes, while his major challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), won 11 LGAs with 444,815 votes.

Reacting to the result, Utomi said the outcome showed that the will of the people could prevail despite attempts to manipulate elections.

He wrote, “Nigeria, we hail thee. So, the people triumphed in the State of Osun.

“Like in Kano in years before, the people proved that their will can triumph over the forces of rigging.

“Massive turnout and a fighting spirit can save democracy. On to 2027 in confidence.”