President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election in the Osun State governorship election as a confirmation of Nigeria’s growing democratic culture.
Adeleke, the Accord candidate, secured 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes. African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Najeem Salaam finished third with 17,180 votes.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, declared Adeleke the winner at 7:49 a.m.
Tinubu, who called Adeleke to congratulate him before the official declaration, said the result reflected the confidence of Osun voters in the governor.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President congratulated Adeleke and urged him to use his second term to unite the people of the state.
Tinubu called on the governor to reach across political divides and rally Osun residents behind an agenda focused on growth, stability and socio-economic development.
The President also commended the other candidates for their conduct during the election, saying their participation strengthened Nigeria’s democratic culture.
He further praised INEC and the security agencies for conducting what he described as a peaceful and transparent election that produced a clear winner.
According to the results, Adeleke won in 19 of Osun State’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won in the remaining 11.
Meanwhile, Adeleke thanked the people of Osun State for renewing his mandate and reaffirmed his support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The governor also called for peace and unity across the state following weeks of pre-election violence. He urged political supporters to avoid attacks and revenge, while appealing to traditional rulers and community leaders to promote peace-building.
Adeleke dedicated his victory to God and the people of Osun State, promising to consolidate his achievements, correct his shortcomings and accelerate development under his renewed five-point agenda.
He also extended an olive branch to his opponents, declaring that he was governor of all Osun residents.
The APC, however, said it was studying the election results and consulting its lawyers on possible legal action. The party said it would explore constitutional avenues, including challenging the outcome before the Election Petition Tribunal.
ADC candidate Najeem Salaam also congratulated Adeleke and urged him to use his second term to address shortcomings in his administration and improve governance.
Salaam called on politicians and citizens to respect the outcome of the election, embrace peace and ensure political differences do not threaten the unity and stability of Osun State.
