Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu called him shortly after his victory in the August 15 governorship election to congratulate him on his re-election.
Adeleke made this known on Sunday while addressing journalists after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally declared him the winner of the poll.
The governor expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, saying his congratulatory gesture demonstrated a commitment to the sustenance of democracy.
“I feel great. First of all, I thank the God Almighty for what has happened today. It’s a victory for democracy in Nigeria,” And, of course, I want to seize the opportunity to thank Mr President. Mr President has called me, and he has congratulated me, and I thank you, Mr President, for making sure democracy lives on because you fought for it, Mr President,” Adeleke said.
Despite belonging to opposing political parties, Tinubu and Adeleke have maintained a cordial relationship, with the Osun governor having made visits to the President on several occasions.
Adeleke: ‘Victory for Osun people’
Adeleke described his re-election as a victory for the people of Osun State, saying the result reflected their assessment of his administration’s performance.
“A victory for democracy. A victory for Osun people that stood by me and said, Imole, you have done a lot for us. You have given us the dividends of democracy in terms of infrastructure, improving our education, agriculture and so forth. So this is the Osun people saying, ‘Thank you, Mr Governor,’” he said.
The governor defeated his closest challenger, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Oyebamiji, to secure a second term in office.
Adeleke said his administration would now focus on transforming Osun from a civil service-dependent state into an industrial hub.
“I will repay that thank you by making sure that I have a vision. My vision is to make sure that Osun State moves from a civil servant state to an industrial state. I will make sure, all across Osun State, development is on. I love you all, Osun State,” he said.
Adeleke extends olive branch to opponents
The governor also called on his political opponents to join hands with his administration, describing the election as a contest without a victor or vanquished.
“Yes, this is no victor, no vanquished. I want them to come over. I’m expecting Oyebanji, even as a civilised person, to call me and congratulate me,” he said.
Asked whether he had at any point been concerned that he could lose the election, Adeleke replied: “No. I have a God. I have a God who never fails.”
Adeleke secures second term
Adeleke was first elected governor of Osun State in 2022.
The Returning Officer for the election, Joshua Ogunwole, declared him winner at the INEC Collation Centre in Osogbo in the early hours of Sunday.
Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, polled 511,067 votes, defeating Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes. ADC candidate Najeem Salaam came third with 17,180 votes.
Adeleke won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11.
His re-election followed months of intense campaigning and political tension, with 15 political parties participating in the election.
Atiku, Obi congratulate Adeleke
Former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi also congratulated Adeleke following his victory.
Obi described the outcome as a victory for democracy and praised Osun voters for defending their mandate.
“Osun: When the People Stand, Democracy Wins,” Obi wrote.
He said Adeleke had earned a renewed mandate through his “commitment to the people, compassion for their needs, and the strength of his work and achievements in office”.
“The lesson from Osun is clear: democracy is strongest when citizens are alert, conscious of their civic responsibility, and determined to ensure that their votes count,” Obi added.
Atiku also congratulated Adeleke, saying the result reflected the choice of Osun voters.
“I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke, @AAdeleke_01, on his re-election as Governor of Osun State.
“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,” Atiku wrote.