Senator Mudashiru Husain faults Rauf Aregbesola’s 2023 election remarks, urging balanced discourse to protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions

Former Osun West Senatorial District lawmaker, Senator Mudashiru Husain, has faulted recent remarks attributed to former Governor Rauf Aregbesola on the 2023 general elections, describing them as selective and detached from Nigeria’s political realities.

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Husain, a two-term House of Representatives member from Oshodi/Isolo, recalled his long political journey with Aregbesola under the broader progressive movement led by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

He emphasised that while the sanctity of the people’s vote is non-negotiable, credible leadership, structured organisation, and ideological consistency play central roles in shaping electoral outcomes.

Speaking in Osogbo on Wednesday, Husain challenged claims that governors defecting to the APC would automatically influence the 2027 elections.

He cited the APC’s failure to win Lagos State in the 2023 presidential election as evidence that electoral success is determined by national aggregate confidence rather than isolated local outcomes.

“Democracy thrives on the will of the people, but that will is shaped, mobilised, and protected by credible political leadership,” Husain stated.

“To suggest otherwise is to oversimplify a complex democratic process.”

He highlighted that the progressive movement was built on years of grassroots engagement, disciplined party organisation, and policy-driven governance elements central to the electoral successes achieved over time.

Husain cautioned against drawing sweeping conclusions from fragmentary election statistics and warned that adversarial framing of elections could erode public trust in democratic institutions.

“Democracy is strengthened by consistency and responsibility in public discourse,” he added.

“Those who have benefitted from structured political systems owe it a duty to speak with balance and historical clarity.”

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Husain concluded by urging political actors to avoid revisionist narratives, emphasising the importance of constructive engagement, institutional respect, and a commitment to deepening Nigeria’s democratic culture.