Tinubu Urges Adeleke: You Didn’t Conquer Anybody, Don’t Shame Opponents After Osun Win
Abuja, August 21, 2026 — President Bola Tinubu on Thursday urged Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke not to shame or stigmatize his political opponents after the latter’s victory in the August 15 governorship election, declaring that the governor “did not conquer anybody” but simply won a democratic contest.
Receiving Adeleke at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the need for unity and responsible leadership in the aftermath of the polls.
“Don’t stigmatise any of your opponents,” the President told the governor. “And the people of Osun State pronounced their judgment on you that they love you; they want you to govern. So you’re going back to govern.”
Tinubu stressed that celebrating a free and fair election is a core democratic value.
“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 said.
He further advised Adeleke against making any individual a victim of the campaign, noting that the greater priority is building a network of unity for the sake of Osun and future generations.
“As I said, you did not conquer anybody. You won an election. That is the essence of democracy. I’m so happy that we have this talk,” Tinubu added.
The President encouraged the governor to expand his influence through actions rather than celebrations, using his own journey to power as an example of divine providence and popular support.
He described Adeleke’s position as unique and urged him to promote unity, peace, stability and the rule of law.
Tinubu also praised what he called Adeleke’s “progressive instinct” during the campaign and the effective mobilization carried out by the governor’s team.
The meeting came shortly after Adeleke received his certificate of return and paid a congratulatory visit to the President following his re-election. The Osun governorship poll had drawn significant national attention, with results reflecting the will of the state’s voters according to official declarations.
As political stakeholders continue to digest the outcome, Tinubu’s counsel underscores a call for post-election reconciliation and inclusive governance in Osun State.
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