Aregbesola Congratulates Adeleke on Osun Re-Election, Urges Respect for People’s Will
Osogbo, Nigeria – August 17, 2026—Former Osun State Governor and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, declaring that the decision of the people of Osun must be respected.
In a statement issued on Monday, Aregbesola extended his best wishes to Adeleke as he prepares to begin a second term after the keenly contested August 15 governorship election.
Adeleke Secures Clear Mandate
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, the winner after he polled 511,067 votes.
He defeated the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes, and the ADC’s Najeem Salaam, who finished a distant third with 17,180 votes.
Adeleke won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji took 11.
Aregbesola, who actively backed Salaam during the campaign and participated in ADC rallies, acknowledged the outcome without reservation.
“I congratulate Senator Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as the Governor of Osun following the governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026,” he said.
“Elections are moments when citizens exercise their sovereign right to choose who they wish to entrust with the responsibility of governing them. Now that the people of Osun have spoken through the ballot, their decision must be respected.”
Call for Unity and Inclusive Governance
The former governor urged Adeleke to treat the result as a renewed mandate to unite the state, deepen development, and govern with fairness, humility, and responsibility toward every citizen regardless of political affiliation.
“The task before the governor is now greater than the contest that has just ended,” Aregbesola noted.
He appealed to political actors, supporters, and residents to allow Osun to move forward in peace and unity and specifically called on Adeleke to “extend the hand of fellowship to all political tendencies” and make his second term one of greater inclusion, reconciliation, and service.
Praise for ADC Members and Candidate
Aregbesola reserved special commendation for ADC members and supporters, praising their steadfastness, courage and commitment despite the competitive environment and political pressure.
He also lauded Salaam for running a dignified campaign focused on ideas, competence and service, and for accepting the election outcome with maturity while prioritising the peace of the state.
“This electoral journey may have produced a different outcome from what we hoped and worked for, but our commitment to the future of Osun must not end with an election,” he said.
Broader Context
President Bola Tinubu and other political figures, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, have also congratulated Adeleke.
The re-elected governor earlier confirmed that Tinubu personally called to felicitate him, describing the victory as a win for democracy and the people of Osun.
Aregbesola’s statement, coming from a key political figure who once governed the state and supported a rival candidate, underscores a call for post-election reconciliation in Osun as Adeleke prepares for another four years in office.
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