Osun election: Tinubu, Obi, Atiku congratulate Adeleke on re-election

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as Governor of Osun State, describing the outcome of the just-concluded election as a fitting assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in Nigeria.

The President, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said he had personally called Adeleke to congratulate him on his electoral victory.

Tinubu said Adeleke’s victory demonstrated the confidence reposed in him by the people of Osun State, while wishing the governor success as he prepares to commence another four-year tenure.

“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,” the President said.

Tinubu, however, urged the governor to see his re-election as an opportunity to unite the people of Osun State irrespective of their political affiliations and choices during the election.

According to him, Adeleke must rally the people behind the administration’s efforts to promote growth, stability and social and economic development across the state.

“I wish him great success as he prepares to lead the state for the next four years. 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.

The President also commended other candidates who participated in the election, praising their courage and discipline throughout the electoral process.

He said their participation contributed to the deepening of Nigeria’s democratic culture and expressed confidence that the outcome of the election reflected the wishes of the people of Osun State.

“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,” Tinubu said.

The President also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for conducting what he described as a peaceful and transparent election that produced a clear winner.

Meanwhile, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, also congratulated Adeleke on his re-election, describing the outcome as a victory for democracy and the people of Osun State.

In a statement, Obi said the people of Osun had spoken through the ballot box, reaffirming their constitutional right to choose their leaders.

He commended Adeleke for what he described as his commitment to the people, compassion for their needs and achievements in office, which, according to him, earned the governor a renewed mandate.

“I warmly congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and the good people of Osun State on this important democratic victory,” Obi said.
“Osun people have spoken with courage and clarity, reaffirming that the power to choose their leaders belongs to the people.”

Obi also praised youths in Osun State for what he described as their peaceful defence of the democratic process, saying their vigilance demonstrated the importance of citizens protecting their votes.

According to him, the major lesson from the Osun election is that democracy becomes stronger when citizens remain informed, vigilant and committed to ensuring that their votes count.

He urged Nigerians to draw lessons from the election as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.

Obi called on Nigerians to remain informed, participate actively in the electoral process and protect their votes, stressing that citizens have the power to use elections to demand better governance.

He further urged political actors to place the interests of Nigerians above partisan considerations and embrace peace, unity and the rule of law.

“Elections should never be battles of violence, but contests of ideas, competence, character, and service,” Obi said.

He expressed hope that the Osun experience would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process and encourage citizens to remain committed to building a just, secure, prosperous and people-centred nation.

Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar congratulated Adeleke on his re-election, saying the victory represented the choice of the people of Osun State as expressed at the ballot box.

Atiku commended the people of the state for their peaceful participation and passion throughout the electoral process.

“I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke, @AAdeleke_01, on his re-election as Governor of Osun State,” Atiku said.

“His victory demonstrates the choice of the people of Osun as expressed at the ballot box. I commend the people for their passion and peaceful participation.

I wish Governor Adeleke continued success as he continues to serve them.”
The separate reactions from President Tinubu, Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar came amid national attention on the Osun governorship election, with the three political leaders emphasising the importance of respecting the outcome of elections and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic culture.

While Tinubu described the result as evidence that democracy will continue to flourish, Obi focused on civic vigilance and protection of votes, particularly ahead of 2027. Atiku, on his part, stressed the importance of respecting the choice expressed by voters at the ballot box.

The reactions have further placed the Osun election in the broader context of Nigeria’s democratic development, with calls for peaceful political participation, respect for electoral mandates and issue-based contests ahead of future elections.

For Governor Adeleke, the fresh mandate now comes with the responsibility of consolidating his administration’s programmes while reaching out to citizens across political divides.

The President’s call for unity, alongside the messages from Obi and Atiku, underscores the expectation that the outcome of the election should be followed by a period of governance focused on development, stability and the welfare of the people of Osun State.