Opposition leaders, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, have congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke the winner of Saturday’s governorship election early Sunday after he secured 511,067 votes across the state.
The State Returning Officer, Joshua Ogunwole, declared Adeleke of the Accord Party winner at about 7:24am on Sunday.
He defeated his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who polled 444,815 votes, while the African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam, came third with 17,180 votes.
Adeleke won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11.
Reacting to the result, Obi congratulated Adeleke and the people of Osun State, saying the election demonstrated the power of citizens to choose their leaders.
“I warmly congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and the good people of Osun State on this important democratic victory,” Obi said.
He said Osun residents had “spoken with courage and clarity” and described the election as a lesson ahead of the 2027 general election.
Obi also commended Osun youths for what he described as peacefully defending their democratic mandate.
“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,” he said.
“Every genuine vote must be respected, and every lawful mandate must be protected.”
He urged Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 elections and called on political actors to prioritise the interests of citizens, peace and the rule of law.
Kwankwaso also congratulated Adeleke, describing him as his friend and commending Osun residents for exercising their democratic rights.
“As a leader of the opposition and a committed democrat, I commend the people of Osun State for exercising their democratic rights and reaffirming the power of the people’s mandate,” Kwankwaso said in a statement posted on his verified X account on Sunday.
He said the result showed the importance of citizens remaining committed to their civic responsibilities and making their voices heard.
“This victory is a reminder that when citizens remain committed to their civic responsibilities and make their voices heard, the people’s will must prevail,” he said.
Kwankwaso also commended INEC for conducting the election and urged stakeholders to uphold the principles of credible, peaceful and transparent elections.
Saraki, in his reaction, described Adeleke’s re-election as a vote of confidence in his administration.
“I congratulate my dear brother and friend, Governor Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election as Governor of Osun State. The people of Osun have spoken, and they have spoken clearly. They have had four years to judge the record of his stewardship, to weigh the promises against the performance, and they have asked him to continue,” Saraki said.
He commended Osun residents for participating in the election and remaining vigilant in protecting their votes.
Saraki urged Adeleke to use his second term to consolidate his achievements and justify the renewed mandate.
“I wish him well, and I trust that he will use the next four years to deepen the work already begun, justify the confidence of the people of Osun, and leave behind a stronger and more prosperous state,” he said.
