President Bola Tinubu has described Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election in the Osun governorship election as evidence that Nigeria’s democracy is deepening, after Adeleke secured 511,067 votes against APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji’s 444,815.
The President said he called Adeleke to congratulate him and urged the governor to use his second term to unite Osun residents across political divides. Tinubu also commended the other candidates, INEC and security agencies for what he described as a peaceful and transparent election.
Adeleke, who won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, thanked voters for renewing his mandate and reaffirmed his support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. He also called for peace following weeks of pre-election violence, urging community and traditional leaders to support reconciliation.
The governor promised to build on his achievements, correct past shortcomings and accelerate development under his renewed five-point agenda. He said his administration would seek to transform Osun from a civil service-dependent state into an industrial and investment destination.
Meanwhile, the APC said it was reviewing results from the state’s 332 wards with its lawyers and would consider challenging the election outcome at the tribunal and other courts. The party urged its supporters to remain calm while it examines available legal options under the Electoral Act 2026.
ADC candidate Najeem Salaam also congratulated Adeleke despite failing to win any local government area, including his home council of Ejigbo. He urged the governor to reflect on his administration’s shortcomings, improve governance and ensure political differences do not undermine peace and unity in the state.
The election recorded 2,339,544 registered voters, 1,010,684 accredited voters and 985,079 valid votes. Adeleke won in 19 LGAs, while Oyebamiji secured the remaining 11, with the outcome now set to face further political and potentially legal scrutiny as Osun begins another four-year administration.
