President Bola Tinubu has urged Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to use his victory in the August 15 governorship election to promote unity, peace and stability across the state rather than pursue his political opponents.
Tinubu made the call on Thursday when Adeleke visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja to thank him for what the governor described as a “free and fair election” and to present his certificate of return.
Adeleke defeated 14 other candidates in the keenly contested election, including Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The governor secured 511,067 votes, while Oyebamiji came second with 444,815 votes and Salaam polled 17,180 votes. Adeleke won in 19 local government areas, while Oyebamiji prevailed in 11.
During the meeting, Tinubu reminded Adeleke that an electoral victory should not be regarded as a defeat or conquest of his opponents, but as a mandate from the people to govern the entire state.
“You did not conquer anybody. You won the election. That is the essence of democracy,” the president said.
Tinubu urged the governor to make reconciliation a key priority of his administration and reach out to those who opposed him during the election.
“All for the reconciliation, expand your coast. That is the only way you can give thanks to our people. Not the way you sang it or celebrated it. It’s the way you act it,” he said.
‘GOD PUT YOU WHERE YOU’RE TODAY’
The president also reminded Adeleke that political power was ultimately shaped by the will of God and the people, urging him to use his position to strengthen peace and democratic stability in Osun.
“Where you are today, God put you there. Not the smartness of any of these people,” Tinubu said.
“It’s just their support, not their smartness. It is the wish of God that prevailed and the wish of the people for you.”
Tinubu described Adeleke as being in a “very, very unique position” to promote unity and stability in the state.
He also praised the governor and his political team for what he called “effective mobilisation” during the election, describing their performance as evidence of “progressive instinct”.
However, he warned Adeleke against using his victory to stigmatise, victimise or target those who contested against him.
“You saw fear; you screamed. Promote democracy. Promote stability. Promote rule of law. Don’t stigmatise any of your opponents,” Tinubu said.
He stressed that democracy could only prosper when political leaders respect electoral outcomes and protect the rights of those on the opposing side.
“Anybody, any democrat, anybody in the political environment who cannot celebrate the joy of a free and fair election does not deserve the laughter and the happiness of democracy,” he added.
Tinubu also cautioned Adeleke against making individuals victims because of their role in the campaign.
“Don’t make a single individual a victim of your campaign. Don’t. Not for you alone. Not for the sake of us all alone. For the generations to come,” he said.
The president encouraged the governor to concentrate on good governance, noting that the people of Osun had given him a mandate to lead.
“The people of Osun state pronounce their judgement on you: that they love you. They want you to govern. So, you’re going back to govern,” Tinubu said.
He further urged Adeleke to use his victory as an opportunity to bridge political divisions, promote reconciliation and strengthen democratic institutions in the state.
APC rejects election outcome
The president’s remarks came days after he congratulated Adeleke on his re-election, describing the outcome as a “fitting assurance” that democracy would continue to flourish under his administration.
The APC, however, has rejected the result of the election.
Oluwole Oke, Director-General of the APC governorship campaign committee in Osun, said the party would not rush to congratulate Adeleke, maintaining that it had concerns about the outcome of the August 15 poll.