Opposition figures, including African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi, NDC vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, have congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election.
Mr Adeleke was declared the winner of Saturday’s governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission early Sunday after polling 511,067 votes across the state.
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The State Returning Officer, Joshua Ogunwole, declared Mr Adeleke of the Accord Party the winner at about 7:24 am on Sunday.
Mr Adeleke defeated his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who polled 444,815 votes. The African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam, came a distant third with 17,180 votes.
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Mr Adeleke won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Mr Oyebamiji won 11.
Reacting to the result, Atiku said the outcome reflected the choice of Osun residents as expressed at the ballot.
“I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as Governor of Osun State. His victory demonstrates the choice of the people of Osun as expressed at the ballot box,” Atiku said in a statement posted on his X handle on Sunday.
He commended residents for their participation in the election and wished Mr Adeleke success in his second term.
“I commend the people for their passion and peaceful participation. I wish Governor Adeleke continued success as he continues to serve them,” he added.
Obi urges Nigerians to protect their votes
Mr Obi also congratulated Mr Adeleke, saying the election demonstrated that citizens had the power to choose their leaders.
“I warmly congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and the good people of Osun State on this important democratic victory.”
He said Osun residents had “spoken with courage and clarity”, adding that the outcome offered lessons ahead of the 2027 general election.
He also commended Osun youths for what he described as peacefully defending their democratic mandate.
“The lesson from Osun is clear: democracy is strongest when citizens are alert, conscious of their civic responsibility, and determined to ensure that their votes count,” Mr Obi said.
“Every genuine vote must be respected, and every lawful mandate must be protected.”
Mr Obi urged Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 elections and called on political actors to prioritise the interests of the people and embrace peace and the rule of law.
“Elections should never be battles of violence, but contests of ideas, competence, character, and service,” he noted.
He added that the Osun experience should strengthen confidence in the democratic process and inspire Nigerians to remain committed to building a “just, secure, prosperous, and truly people-centred nation.”
Kwankwaso commends voters, INEC
Former Kano State Governor and NDC vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, also congratulated Mr Adeleke on his victory.
Mr Kwankwaso, in a statement posted on his verified X account on Sunday, described Mr Adeleke as his friend and commended Osun residents for exercising their democratic rights.
“As a leader of the opposition and a committed democrat, I commend the people of Osun State for exercising their democratic rights and reaffirming the power of the people’s mandate,” he said.
He said the result demonstrated the importance of citizens remaining committed to their civic responsibilities and making their voices heard.
“This victory is a reminder that when citizens remain committed to their civic responsibilities and make their voices heard, the people’s will must prevail.”
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for conducting the election and urged the commission and other stakeholders to uphold the principles of credible, peaceful and transparent elections.
“I also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission for the conduct of the election and encourage all stakeholders to continue to uphold the principles of credible, peaceful and transparent elections,” he added.
Saraki urges Adeleke to justify mandate
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, also congratulated Mr Adeleke, describing his re-election as a vote of confidence in his administration.
Mr Saraki said Osun residents had four years to assess the governor’s performance before deciding to give him another term.
“I congratulate my dear brother and friend, Governor Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election as Governor of Osun State. The people of Osun have spoken, and they have spoken clearly. They have had four years to judge the record of his stewardship, to weigh the promises against the performance, and they have asked him to continue,” he said.
Mr Saraki commended Osun residents for voting and remaining vigilant in defending their votes.
“At a time when there are legitimate concerns about the strength and credibility of our democratic institutions, every election in which the will of the people is freely expressed, faithfully counted and ultimately respected is an important victory for our democracy,” he said.
He urged Mr Adeleke to use his second term to consolidate his administration’s achievements and justify the renewed mandate.
“I wish him well, and I trust that he will use the next four years to deepen the work already begun, justify the confidence of the people of Osun, and leave behind a stronger and more prosperous state,” Mr Saraki noted.
Mr Adeleke’s re-election came after he left the Peoples Democratic Party, the platform on which he won the governorship in 2022, following a prolonged crisis within the party.
He subsequently secured the Accord ticket and returned to the electorate seeking a second term outside the party that brought him to office.
The election result gives Mr Adeleke another four years to lead the state, with the congratulatory messages from the opposition figures placing renewed focus on the mandate handed to him by Osun voters.
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