President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election, urging him to use the fresh mandate to bridge political divisions and pursue inclusive development across the state.
Tinubu, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Adeleke’s victory reflected the confidence of Osun voters in his leadership.
The President said he had earlier spoken with Adeleke by telephone to congratulate him on the outcome and wish him success as he begins another four-year term.
Rather than dwell on the political contest, Tinubu urged the governor to now focus on bringing together residents across party lines and mobilising them towards growth, stability and socio-economic development.
“Now that he has won, Governor Adeleke must unite the people of Osun State and rally them for growth, stability, and social and economic progress, regardless of the political choices they made at the election,” he said.
Tinubu also praised the other candidates who participated in the election, describing their conduct as courageous and disciplined.
He said their participation had enriched Nigeria’s democratic culture, while the outcome represented the choice of the electorate.
“The outcome of the election reflects the will of the people and is a fitting assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in our land,” the President said.
He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for what he described as a peaceful and transparent election that produced a clear winner.
INEC’s Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, declared Adeleke the winner after he secured 511,067 votes.
Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, defeated the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.
The 66,252-vote margin sparked celebrations among Adeleke’s supporters and residents in different parts of the state.
With the election settled and another four-year mandate secured, Tinubu’s message to Adeleke was clear: the next challenge is to turn electoral victory into political reconciliation, stability and tangible development for all Osun residents.