Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki have congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, following his victory in the state’s governorship election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke the winner of Saturday’s poll on Sunday after the Accord Party candidate secured 511,067 votes.
The State Returning Officer, Prof Joshua Ogunwole, announced Adeleke as the winner at about 7:24am on Sunday.
Reacting to the result in a statement shared on his X handle, Obi said the election had reaffirmed the authority of citizens to determine who leads them.
He said, “I warmly congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and the good people of Osun State on this important democratic victory.
“They – Osun people – have spoken with courage and clarity, reaffirming that the power to choose their leaders belongs to the people.”
The former Anambra State governor praised Osun youths for what he described as their peaceful efforts to defend their democratic mandate, saying the election provided important lessons ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said, “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.
“Every genuine vote must be respected, and every lawful mandate must be protected.”
Obi urged Nigerians to take an active role in the 2027 elections and remain committed to protecting their votes.
He also appealed to politicians to put citizens’ interests first while upholding peace and the rule of law.
“Elections should never be battles of violence, but contests of ideas, competence, character, and service,” he said.
Obi added, “May the Osun experience strengthen our confidence in the democratic process and inspire Nigerians everywhere to remain vigilant and committed to building a just, secure, prosperous, and truly people-centred nation.”
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Saraki, in a separate statement posted on his X handle, said Adeleke’s victory reflected voters’ confidence in the performance of his administration.
He said, “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.”
The former Senate President also applauded Osun voters for participating in the election and remaining watchful in protecting their ballots.
He said, “At a time when there are legitimate concerns about the strength and credibility of our democratic institutions, every election in which the will of the people is freely expressed, faithfully counted and ultimately respected is an important victory for our democracy.”
Saraki charged Adeleke to build on the gains of his first term and deliver on the confidence placed in him by voters.
“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,” Saraki said.
Adeleke defeated his closest challenger, All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes and won 11 of the state’s 30 local government areas.
The African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam, finished third with 17,180 votes.