ATIKU, OBI CONGRATULATE ADELEKE ON RE-ELECTION AS OSUN GOVERNOR

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

Presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, and presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, have congratulated Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as Governor of Osun State.

The opposition leaders shared their congratulatory messages in separate posts on X on Sunday, shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke the winner of the August 15 governorship election.

Obi, a former Anambra State governor, described the outcome as a victory for democracy and commended Osun voters for defending their mandate.

“Osun: When the People Stand, Democracy Wins,” Obi wrote.

According to Obi, Adeleke earned a renewed mandate through his “commitment to the people, compassion for their needs, and the strength of his work and achievements in office”.

“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,” Obi added.

He urged Nigerians to remain actively involved in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections, while calling on political actors to prioritise citizens’ interests and embrace peace, unity and the rule of law.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, also congratulated Adeleke, saying his victory reflected the choice of Osun voters at the ballot.

“I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke, @AAdeleke_01, on his re-election as Governor of Osun State.

“His victory demonstrates the choice of the people of Osun as expressed at the ballot box. I commend the people for their passion and peaceful participation. I wish Governor Adeleke continued success as he continues to serve them,” Atiku wrote.

INEC declared Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, the winner after he polled 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who scored 444,815 votes.

Adeleke won in 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured victory in 11.

The declaration secured Adeleke another four-year term after he was first elected governor in 2022 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Meanwhile, Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, also celebrated his uncle’s victory shortly after the declaration.

Davido, who played a prominent role in Adeleke’s re-election campaign, posted on X: “WE DID IT UNC!!!”

The Grammy-nominated singer had been watching Channels Television’s live coverage of the results and waiting for the official declaration.

As the Returning Officer, Joshua Ogunwole, declared Adeleke the winner, Davido erupted in excitement, jumping up, kneeling, and eventually lying on the floor in celebration.

Members of his team immediately joined him, cheering and celebrating the governor’s victory.

Davido served as Chairman of the Imole Youth Mobilisation Campaign Council and participated in rallies and grassroots mobilisation activities during the campaign.

Following the declaration, jubilation was reported in several parts of Osun, particularly Osogbo, the state capital, and Ede, Adeleke’s hometown.