President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election, describing the outcome of the governorship election as a reflection of the confidence reposed in the governor by the people of the state.
Tinubu, in a statement, said he personally called Adeleke to congratulate him on his electoral victory and wished him success as he prepares to begin another four-year term in office.
The President said Adeleke’s re-election demonstrated that democratic principles remain strong in Nigeria and expressed optimism that democracy would continue to flourish under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.
“I called Governor Ademola Adeleke earlier today to congratulate him on his election victory in Osun State. His victory once again confirmed the confidence the people of Osun State have in him,” Tinubu said.
Adeleke secured victory in the election after defeating his closest challenger, the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, according to the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Following his victory, Tinubu urged the governor to extend his leadership beyond partisan politics by bringing together residents who supported different candidates during the election.
He stressed that the responsibility of governance required Adeleke to unite the people of Osun State and focus on issues that would promote development, stability and improved living conditions across the state.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu also commended other candidates who participated in the election, describing their participation as an important contribution to the development of Nigeria’s democratic culture.
He said the willingness of political contestants to participate in the electoral process demonstrated the importance of democratic competition and allowed citizens to exercise their constitutional right to choose their leaders.
“I salute the courage and discipline displayed by other contestants in the election. Their participation deepened and enriched our country’s democratic culture,” he stated.
According to the President, the outcome of the election represented the decision of the electorate and should therefore be respected by all political actors.
He described the result as further evidence that democratic governance could continue to thrive when citizens are allowed to freely express their preferences through the ballot.
Tinubu also praised INEC and the security agencies for their roles in the conduct of the election, particularly their efforts to ensure that voting and the collation of results were conducted peacefully.
“I must also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission and the security agencies for conducting a peaceful and transparent election that produced a clear winner,” he said.
The President’s comments come amid heightened political interest in the Osun election, which attracted significant attention from political parties and national leaders.
The election was closely watched because of the competitive nature of the contest and the broader political implications for the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to continue supporting democratic institutions and processes, stressing that the survival and strengthening of democracy remained a collective responsibility.
He expressed hope that the outcome of the Osun election would further strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system and encourage political stakeholders to prioritise peaceful engagement over confrontation.
“May our democracy continue to thrive and be strengthened,” the President added.
He concluded by wishing Adeleke success in his second term and called for continued commitment to the development of Osun State and Nigeria as a whole.
The President also reaffirmed his commitment to the democratic process, stressing the importance of respecting the choices made by voters and ensuring peaceful transitions and governance after elections.
The Osun election has consequently provided another major test for Nigeria’s electoral institutions, political parties and security agencies, with the outcome now placing responsibility on the re-elected governor to fulfil the expectations of the electorate and advance the development of the state.
