Aregbesola congratulates Adeleke after his Osun re-election, urging him to respect voters’ choice and focus on unity and development
Former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, saying Osun voters have spoken through the ballot and their decision should be respected.
Aregbesola, a leading figure in the African Democratic Congress, made the statement on Tuesday as political reactions continued to follow the August 15 governorship election.
Also read: Momodu Credits Adeleke’s Win to Grassroots Strength
“I congratulate Senator Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as the Governor of Osun following the governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026,” Aregbesola said.
“Now that the people of Osun have spoken through the ballot, their decision must be respected.”
Adeleke secured 511,067 votes to defeat All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.
ADC candidate Najeem Salaam finished third with 17,180 votes, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The result gave Adeleke a 66,252-vote margin and a second consecutive term as governor.
Aregbesola said the election had now given way to a greater responsibility for Adeleke, urging the governor to use his renewed mandate to bring people together and concentrate on development.
“The task before the governor is now greater than the contest that has just ended,” he said.
“I urge him to see 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.”
His message was notable given his role within the ADC, whose candidate Salaam contested the election against Adeleke and Oyebamiji.
Aregbesola praised ADC members in Osun for remaining committed to the party throughout the campaign, despite what he described as intense political pressure.
“To the men and women of the African Democratic Congress in Osun, I say: thank you. I am particularly proud of your steadfastness, courage and commitment throughout this journey,” he said.
He also commended Salaam for the manner in which he conducted his campaign and responded to the election outcome.
For Aregbesola, the ADC’s defeat should not mark the end of the party’s involvement in Osun’s political affairs.
Instead, he urged members to remain united, hold the government accountable and continue presenting alternative ideas to voters.
“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.
Aregbesola also encouraged Adeleke to extend a hand of fellowship to political opponents and make his second term a period of reconciliation and inclusion.
The call comes as the APC campaign organisation continues to examine the election result.
APC campaign Director-General Oluwole Oke has said the party does not accept INEC’s declaration for now and is auditing result sheets submitted by its polling agents before deciding on its next step.
Aregbesola’s response therefore offers a different tone from the APC’s continuing scrutiny of the result, with the former governor placing greater emphasis on accepting the electorate’s decision while maintaining political accountability.
He told ADC supporters that the principles of good governance, accountability, justice, competence and public service remained important beyond an individual electoral contest.
“Political journeys are often longer than individual electoral contests,” Aregbesola said.
His final message was brief but pointed: “Power is responsibility.”
Also read: Momodu Credits Adeleke’s Win to Grassroots Strength
The former governor wished Adeleke wisdom, good health and success in his second term, while urging the governor to approach the new mandate with humility and a commitment to all residents of Osun State.
