President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election, describing the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election as an affirmation of the people’s confidence in the governor and a sign that democracy continues to flourish in Nigeria.
The President, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that he had personally called Adeleke to congratulate him on his victory.
Tinubu urged the governor to use his renewed mandate to unite the people of Osun State and pursue policies capable of promoting growth, stability and socio-economic development.
“I called Governor Ademola Adeleke earlier today to congratulate him on his election victory in Osun State. His victory once again confirmed the confidence the people of Osun State have in him,” Tinubu said.
He wished Adeleke success as he prepares to begin his second term, urging him to govern inclusively irrespective of how individual citizens voted during the election.
“Now that he has won, Governor Adeleke must unite the people of Osun State and rally them for growth, stability, and social and economic progress, regardless of the political choices they made at the election,” the President said.
Tinubu also commended the other candidates who contested the election, praising what he described as their courage and discipline throughout the electoral process.
According to him, the participation of the contestants contributed to the strengthening of Nigeria’s democratic culture.
He said the outcome reflected the will of the people of Osun State and provided further assurance of the resilience of democratic governance in the country.
“I salute the courage and discipline displayed by other contestants in the election. Their participation deepened and enriched our country’s democratic culture.
“The outcome of the election reflects the will of the people and is a fitting assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in our land.”
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The President further commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for conducting what he described as a peaceful and transparent election that produced a clear winner.
Adeleke of the Accord Party defeated the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, in the keenly contested election.
The governor’s re-election guarantees him another four years in office after his victory in the 2022 governorship election.
Tinubu’s congratulatory message came despite the fact that the APC had vigorously campaigned to reclaim Osun State from Adeleke, with Oyebamiji mounting a strong challenge against the incumbent.
The President’s call for unity now places the responsibility on Adeleke to consolidate his mandate and extend his administration’s policies to supporters and opponents alike as he begins his second term.