Former Kano State Governor and opposition leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election in the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election.
Kwankwaso described Adeleke’s victory as a reflection of the choice of the people of Osun State as expressed through their votes at the polls.
In a congratulatory message, Kwankwaso, who referred to Adeleke as his friend, commended the governor and the people of Osun State following the outcome of the election.
“I congratulate my friend, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State and candidate of the Accord Party, on his victory in the 15 August 2026 Osun State Governorship Election,” he said.
Kwankwaso, a prominent opposition figure and former presidential candidate, also praised Osun voters for participating in the electoral process and exercising their constitutional right to choose their preferred leader.
“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 stated.
According to him, the outcome of the election underscores the importance of citizens actively participating in the democratic process and making their voices heard through the ballot box.
He noted that Adeleke’s victory demonstrated that the people’s will could prevail when citizens take their civic responsibilities seriously.
“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,” Kwankwaso said.
The opposition leader also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its role in conducting the election, while urging all stakeholders to continue working towards strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system.
He called on political actors, election officials, security agencies and other stakeholders to uphold the principles of credible, peaceful and transparent elections.
“I also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the election and encourage all stakeholders to continue to uphold the principles of credible, peaceful and transparent elections,” he added.
Kwankwaso’s statement comes after INEC declared Adeleke the winner of the Osun governorship election.
The result placed Adeleke ahead of his major challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the collation of results from across the state.
The election had been preceded by intense political activities, allegations of violence and heightened tensions among supporters of the various political parties.
Despite the contentious atmosphere surrounding the poll, Kwankwaso focused his message on the democratic significance of the election and the need for political stakeholders to respect the outcome.
He urged the newly re-elected governor to remain committed to serving the people of Osun State and to justify the confidence placed in him by voters.
“Congratulations once again to Governor Adeleke and the good people of Osun State,” Kwankwaso concluded.
Adeleke’s re-election is expected to give his administration another opportunity to consolidate its policies and programmes while addressing the economic, infrastructural and social challenges facing residents of the state.
Kwankwaso’s congratulatory message also reinforces the broader call among political leaders for peaceful transitions and respect for electoral mandates as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections.
