Osogbo, Osun State — Governor Ademola Adeleke reacted with gratitude, humility and a call for unity on Sunday after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared him the winner of the Osun State governorship election, securing a second term in office.
Speaking shortly after the results were announced, Adeleke described the outcome as a triumph for democracy and a reward from the people of Osun for the work of his administration.
He said that “I feel great. First of all, I thank God Almighty for what has happened today. It’s a victory for democracy in Nigeria. A victory for Osun people that stood by me and said, Imole, you have done a lot for us. You have given us dividend of democracy in terms of infrastructure, improving our education, agriculture, and so forth. So this is for Osun people saying, thank you, Mr Governor,” he said.
The governor, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party, polled 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes.
The returning officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, declared Adeleke elected after he met the constitutional requirements, including securing the highest number of votes and the necessary spread across local government areas.
Adeleke framed the result as an endorsement of his first-term record. He pointed to achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, security, education and agriculture as the reasons voters returned him to office.
“The victory is a way Osun people is repaying me for the infrastructural developments, health, security and other things I have delivered for my people,” he stated. He pledged to repay that confidence by accelerating development and transforming Osun from a civil-service state into a more industrial and commercial one.
In a conciliatory tone, Adeleke stressed that the election should not be seen in terms of winners and losers. “It’s no victor, no vanquished,” he said, while publicly inviting his main challenger to reach out. “I am expecting the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, to call me and congratulate me.”
He also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had telephoned him to offer congratulations. Adeleke thanked the president, saying the call demonstrated support for the democratic process. “I want to seize this opportunity to thank Mr President. Mr President has called me and he has congratulated me. Thank you, Mr President, for making sure democracy lives on because you fought for it,” the governor said.
Jubilation broke out in parts of Osogbo and Adeleke’s hometown of Ede as news of the declaration spread, with supporters taking to the streets. The governor’s nephew, Afrobeats star Davido, also celebrated the result online.
Adeleke closed his remarks by reaffirming his commitment to the people who re-elected him, promising continued delivery of dividends of democracy in his second term.
About the Author
