Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for harmony and togetherness in Osun State following his re-election, while the All Progressives Congress considers its legal strategies after the defeat in Saturday’s gubernatorial election.
Adeleke was announced as the victor of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission after receiving 511,067 votes, defeating the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who got 444,815 votes. The governor secured victory in 19 out of the 30 local government areas of the state, whereas Oyebamiji won 11.
INEC announced Adeleke as the winner after he triumphed in 19 of the 30 local government areas of the state, whereas Oyebamiji claimed victory in the other 11 council areas.
The announcement, issued by the State Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, was made on Sunday, verifying Adeleke’s reelection for a second term in office.
Adeleke, in his victory speech, also offered an olive branch to his rivals, urging peace and unity in the state after weeks of pre-election violence and political strife.
He vowed to expand on his successes and address his weaknesses, ensuring that Osun would experience rapid growth and enhanced governance through his revitalized five-point plan.
The governor urged local leaders and traditional bodies to foster peace and avert post-election violence, while asking residents to forgive each other and rebuild community unity.
Speaking to journalists after he was returned elected at the Saturday governorship election, Adeleke dedicated his victory to God and the people of Osun State, commending the resilience, the strong will, and the unwavering commitment to democracy of the people, promising not to disappoint them.
“In this race, there is no victor, no vanquished. I extend an olive branch to my co-contestants. I am the governor of all Osun people. My vision remains taking Osun from a civil service state to an industrial state and an investment destination,” he said.
“To all lovers of democracy, I thank you for supporting our struggle. From home and abroad, the support is overwhelming. My faith in democracy is deepened.
“Most importantly, I thank the media for standing by us. The constant coverage in support of democracy emboldened us. We are grateful. Osun State is on the march again. We shall expand development and widen the net of good governance.
The governor cautioned against post-election assaults on opponents and insisted on refraining from retaliatory strikes stemming from previous conflicts, calling for forgiveness and the rebuilding of community harmony following weeks of gun violence throughout the state.
During a moment of silence for those affected by pre-election violence, Adeleke urged community leaders and traditional institutions to engage in peace-building efforts within their communities, stating that “the matters are resolved by the grace of God and the populace.”
“As you have trusted me with a second term in office, I will reinforce my strong points and correct my errors. Osun will witness further accelerated development and growth under my renewed five-point agenda,” the governor said.
Adeleke thanked Tinubu for his support for a credible and peaceful election, describing the president as a son of Osun and reiterating his endorsement of his bid for re-election in 2027.
He added, “Mr. President is a son of Osun State, and I hereby reaffirm my earlier endorsement of him for a second term in the 2027 presidential election.”
