Abuja: Factional National Chairman of Accord, Prof. Chris Imumolen, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu’s democratic restraint played a crucial role in Gov. Ademola Adeleke’s victory in the recent Osun governorship election. Imumolen made this statement in Abuja, responding to comments from Pelumi Olajengbesi, the Spokesperson for the Adeleke campaign organization.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Olajengbesi attributed Adeleke’s win solely to the Osun voters and the governor’s track record. However, Imumolen challenged this view, arguing that it underestimated Tinubu’s influence, not through overt campaigning or federal power, but through his deliberate non-intervention.
Imumolen emphasized that leadership often involves restraint, highlighting that Tinubu chose not to make the election a personal battle nor use his office to intimidate opponents. Instead, Tinubu allowed the people of Osun to decide, which he cited as a significant contribution to the election’s credibility.
He also noted Tinubu’s statesmanship in maintaining neutrality, which encouraged participation from political actors and citizens without fear of federal intimidation. Imumolen clarified that Tinubu did not campaign for Adeleke or provide campaign resources, but rather showed democratic maturity by not interfering despite the presence of an All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.
Imumolen advised political leaders to differentiate between partisan support and democratic statesmanship, urging recognition of the peaceful election atmosphere. He warned against political revisionism, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the environment that allowed free voting.
He concluded that Tinubu’s choice of democracy over partisan warfare should be acknowledged, noting that leadership involves restraint towards opponents. Imumolen asserted that Tinubu’s respect for the democratic process should not be overshadowed by Adeleke’s win, stressing the importance of being magnanimous in victory.