The result demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained grassroots mobilisation and public confidence, adding that it had opened a new chapter for Accord
By Moses Okorie
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has received widespread commendations following his victory in the August 15 governorship election, with political leaders and prominent Nigerians describing the result as a triumph of democracy and popular will.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke, candidate of the Accord Party, winner after he secured 511,067 votes, defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.
Among those who congratulated the governor was the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who described Adeleke’s re-election as a significant democratic achievement.
Obi, in a statement issued on Sunday in Enugu and titled, “Osun: When the People Stand, Democracy Wins,” said the people of Osun had spoken with “courage and exceptional clarity.”
He said the election had reaffirmed the people’s constitutional right to choose their leaders, describing the outcome as evidence of the power of citizens to shape the political direction of the country.
The NDC candidate also said Adeleke’s renewed mandate reflected his commitment to the people, compassion for their needs and the achievements recorded during his first term.
Obi particularly praised Osun youths for what he called their courageous and peaceful defence of their democratic mandate throughout the closely contested election.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) also joined the growing list of congratulatory voices, describing Adeleke’s victory as a major win for Osun State and democracy.
IPAC National Chairman, Dr Yusuf Dantalle, in a statement issued in Abuja, said the peaceful election reflected the will of the people and demonstrated their determination to defend their constitutional rights.
Dantalle congratulated Adeleke, the Accord Party and the people of Osun for what he described as their commitment to constitutional governance despite alleged political harassment, intimidation, arrests and reported killings during the electoral process.
He said the outcome represented a rejection of anti-democratic forces and demonstrated the resilience of Nigerian voters.
An Accord Party chieftain, Ajibola Oluwarotimi, similarly described Adeleke’s victory as a victory for the people and a reflection of the party’s growing strength.
Oluwarotimi said the result demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained grassroots mobilisation and public confidence, adding that it had opened a new chapter for Accord.
Adeleke’s re-election also attracted a celebratory reaction from his nephew and Afrobeats star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.
Davido, in a post on his verified X account on Sunday, celebrated the governor with the message, “WE DID IT UNC !!!” while tagging Adeleke’s official account.
Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, also congratulated Adeleke, saying the result reflected the decision of Osun voters to give the governor another four-year mandate.
Obaseki said the victory was significant and demonstrated the futility of what he described as anti-democratic forces deployed during the election.
With the result, Adeleke has secured another term in office, while his victory has continued to generate reactions across political circles, with supporters portraying the outcome as a strong expression of the electorate’s choice.