Two days after the conclusion of the Osun State governorship election, the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Governor of the state, Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election following a congratulatory message from President Bola Tinubu.
This followed the declaration of Adeleke as the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after he secured 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes, while the ADC candidate, Najeem Salaam finished third with 17,180 votes.
In a statement issued on Monday, Aregbesola said the people of Osun had exercised their right to choose their governor and that their decision must be respected.
“Now that the people of Osun have spoken through the ballot, their decision must be respected,” he said.
Aregbesola urged Adeleke to regard the outcome as a renewed mandate to unite the state, deepen development and govern with fairness, humility and a strong sense of responsibility to every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation.
“The task before the governor is now greater than the contest that has just ended,” he said.
He also congratulated the people of Osun for their participation in the democratic process and described them as politically sophisticated, while calling on political actors, supporters and citizens to allow the state to move forward in peace and unity.
Aregbesola further urged Adeleke to extend the hand of fellowship to all political tendencies and make the next chapter of his administration one of greater inclusion, reconciliation and service to all.
He commended Salaam for the manner in which he received the election outcome, saying the ADC candidate had conducted himself with dignity throughout the contest.
“His campaign represented our tradition and conviction that politics should be about ideas, competence, character and service to the people,” Aregbesola said.
He added that the electoral outcome should not mark the end of political actors’ commitment to the development of Osun.
“Democracy is strengthened when political actors demonstrate the courage to compete vigorously, the humility and maturity to accept the people’s decision and the wisdom to continue contributing to society afterwards,” he said.
The former governor also urged ADC members, supporters, volunteers, campaigners and others who participated in the campaign to remain united and committed to the values that brought them together.
“Let us continue to engage constructively, speak for the people and hold government accountable while offering responsible alternatives wherever necessary,” he said.