Former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, urging him to use his renewed mandate to unite the state and govern all residents irrespective of their political affiliations.
Mr Aregbesola, who is the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) which fielded Najeem Salaam in the governorship contest, in a statement on Monday, also commended Osun voters for what he described as their “political sophistication”.
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ADC suffered a heavy defeat in the election, with the party also performing woefully in Mr Aregbesola’s polling unit.
He also praised members and supporters of the ADC for remaining committed to the party and its candidate, despite their defeat at the August 15 governorship election.
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Mr Adeleke, who contested the election on the platform of the Accord Party, defeated his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with 511,067 votes, to secure a second term in office. Mr Oyebamiji polled 444,815 votes , while the ADC’s Salaam secured only 17,180 votes.
Mr Aregbesola, who governed Osun from 2010 to 2018, said the outcome of the election represented the choice of the people and should be respected by all political actors.
“Now that the people of Osun have spoken through the ballot, their decision must be respected,” he said.
He, however, urged the governor to see the victory as a responsibility to bring the state together rather than simply as a triumph over political opponents.
“I urge him to see the outcome as a renewed mandate to unite the state, deepen development and govern with fairness, humility and a strong sense of responsibility to every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation,” Mr Aregbesola said.
Aregbesola praises ADC supporters
Mr Aregbesola also turned his attention to members of the party who worked for the election of Mr Salaam, describing their efforts as a demonstration of courage and commitment.
He said the party’s supporters remained steadfast despite what he described as “enormous political pressure” and an intensely competitive electoral environment.
The former governor specifically praised Mr Salaam, saying the ADC candidate conducted himself with dignity throughout the campaign and accepted the election outcome with maturity.
“Dr. Salaam has conducted himself with dignity throughout this contest,” he said, adding that the candidate’s campaign reflected the party’s belief that politics should be about “ideas, competence, character and service to the people.”
Mr Aregbesola said the election outcome should not end the political relationships and networks built during the campaign. He urged ADC members and supporters to remain united and continue engaging the government while offering alternative ideas to improve the state.
“Let us continue to engage constructively, speak for the people and hold government accountable while offering responsible alternatives wherever necessary,” he said.
Calls for inclusive government
Mr Aregbesola also called on Mr Adeleke to extend what he described as “the hand of fellowship” to political groups that opposed him during the election. He stated for the governor’s second term should be characterised by greater inclusion, reconciliation and service to all residents of Osun.
The former governor’s appeal comes after a closely watched election in which Mr Adeleke defeated the APC candidate and secured another four-year mandate.
READ ALSO: Governors forum congratulates Gov Adeleke on re-election
For Mr Aregbesola, however, the end of the election should mark the beginning of another phase of political engagement in the state.
“Democracy is strengthened when political actors demonstrate the courage to compete vigorously, the humility and maturity to accept the people’s decision and the wisdom to continue contributing to society afterwards,” he said.
He urged ADC members to remain committed to the values that brought them together, including good governance, accountability, justice, competence and service to the people.
“Political journeys are often longer than individual electoral contests,” Mr Aregbesola said.
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