President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election for another four-year term, describing the outcome of the August 15 governorship election as a reflection of the confidence placed in the governor by the people of the state.
Tinubu said he personally called Adeleke to congratulate him after the governor was declared winner of the election.
According to the President, Adeleke’s victory demonstrated that the people of Osun had expressed their confidence in his leadership.
Adeleke Secures Second Term
Adeleke, who contested the election on the platform of the Accord Party, secured 511,067 votes, defeating the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.
The governor won in 19 of Osun State’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured victory in 11. The African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam, finished third with 17,180 votes.
The result gives Adeleke another four years in office after his initial election as governor in 2022.
Tinubu Calls for Unity
While congratulating Adeleke, President Tinubu urged him to extend a hand of fellowship to residents who supported other candidates during the election.
He called on the governor to unite the people of Osun and concentrate on growth, stability and social and economic progress, regardless of their political affiliations.
The President also commended the other candidates who participated in the election, saying their participation contributed to Nigeria’s democratic process.
President Praises INEC and Security Agencies
Tinubu also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for what he described as a peaceful and transparent election.
The President said the emergence of a clear winner was an indication that democratic institutions could continue to deliver credible electoral outcomes.
His comments come amid growing political attention on the Osun result, particularly because of its potential implications for the 2027 general elections.
Adeleke’s Support for Tinubu
The political significance of the election has been heightened by Adeleke’s expressed support for Tinubu’s bid for a second presidential term.
After his victory, Adeleke thanked the President for congratulating him and reaffirmed his endorsement of Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, describing the President as a son of Osun State.
The governor has, however, denied reports that his support for Tinubu was based on a political agreement or arrangement concerning the 2027 election.
Osun Result Generates 2027 Debate
The outcome has already triggered discussions among political actors about the implications for the next presidential election.
Some opposition figures have described Adeleke’s victory as evidence that opposition parties can defeat the ruling party when they consolidate their support and avoid political fragmentation.
For Tinubu’s administration, the President’s congratulatory message also provides an opportunity to emphasise his commitment to democratic competition and peaceful elections.
For Adeleke, the immediate challenge is to translate the renewed electoral mandate into improved governance while maintaining political relationships across party lines.
The governor’s second term will therefore be closely watched, not only within Osun State but also within Nigeria’s broader political landscape as preparations for 2027 intensify.
