- Your Victory Will Strenghten Nigeria’s Democracy- Tinubu
- When The People Stand, Democracy Wins — Obi
- Atiku: His Victory Demonstrates The Choice Of Osun People
- Face Your Music While We Face Politics, APC Chieftain Tackles Davido
Governor Ademola Adeleke has dedicated his historic re-election victory to God and the people of Osun State, promising to use his second term to accelerate development, widen good governance and push the state towards industrialisation.
Adeleke, candidate of the Accord Party, was declared winner of Saturday’s governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after defeating his closest challenger, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
The governor polled 511,067 votes, defeating Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes, while African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Najeem Salaam came a distant third with 17,180 votes. Adeleke won 19 of Osun’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji carried 11.
The 66,252-vote margin gave Adeleke a significantly wider cushion than the narrow victory that first brought him to power in 2022.
In his victory message, the governor said the result belonged to the people rather than to him personally.
“This victory is for God and the people!” Adeleke declared.
He added: “I am deeply humbled and grateful to God and the good people of Osun State for the confidence reposed in me to serve for another term.”
Describing the election as a triumph of democratic resilience, Adeleke commended Osun voters for what he called their courage and commitment to democracy.
“This victory belongs to the people. I commend your resilience, your courage and your unwavering commitment to democracy. I will not disappoint you,” he said.
The governor, however, immediately switched from campaign mode to reconciliation, calling on his opponents and supporters to put the contest behind them.
“As we turn the page on the election, I appeal to all Osun people to embrace peace, forgiveness and unity. There is no victor, no vanquished. I extend the olive branch to all my co-contestants. I am the Governor of all,” Adeleke said.
How Adeleke Secured The Victory
Adeleke’s second-term victory was built on a combination of his incumbency, strong grassroots machinery, powerful support in his traditional strongholds and his ability to secure large vote margins in crucial local government areas.
The final results showed that Adeleke did not merely edge Oyebamiji across the finish line; he captured 19 of the state’s 30 LGAs, giving him the territorial advantage needed to withstand the APC’s strong performance in the remaining 11.
His strongest advantage came from the Osun West axis, his political home, where the three major contenders — Adeleke, Oyebamiji and Salaam — all originated. Pre-election analysis had identified the battle for Osun West and the ability of candidates to consolidate their home bases as a major determinant of the contest.
Adeleke also benefited from the established political network surrounding his family and his strong grassroots presence. Analysts following the contest identified his traditional strongholds, key local-government victories and his ability to accumulate sizeable margins as critical factors in the final outcome.
Another factor was the structure of the contest itself. With 15 candidates on the ballot and the ADC’s Najeem Salaam finishing third with just 17,180 votes, the anti-Adeleke vote was divided rather than concentrated behind Oyebamiji.
The election was also fiercely contested, with reports of violence, intimidation and complaints over BVAS failures in some areas. Nevertheless, the final collation gave Adeleke a decisive enough margin to secure a second term.
From 2022 Upset To Wider 2026 Mandate
Adeleke’s victory marks another chapter in a remarkable political journey. In 2022, he defeated the then-incumbent APC candidate, Gboyega Oyetola, by 403,371 votes to 375,027, winning by just 28,344 votes.
Four years later, Adeleke returned to the ballot as an incumbent and increased his total to 511,067 votes, while also widening his winning margin to 66,252 votes.
The 2026 result therefore represents not just a successful defence of the governorship but a stronger electoral mandate than the one he secured in 2022.
Adeleke Remembers Violence Victims
Beyond the celebration, the governor expressed sorrow over those who lost their lives during the violent incidents that preceded the election.
He called for a minute of silence in honour of the victims and appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to spearhead healing and reconciliation across the state.
“I also remember, with a minute of silence, the victims of the needless pre-election violence. May their souls rest in peace,” he said.
Adeleke urged Osun leaders to move quickly to heal divisions created by the bitter campaign.
‘I Will Correct Our Shortcomings’
With another four years secured, Adeleke promised that his administration would not rest on its electoral victory.
“You have entrusted me with another four years. I will reinforce our strong points, correct our shortcomings and build on the progress we have made,” he pledged.
He declared that Osun was entering another phase of development, promising to accelerate projects, broaden good governance and pursue an ambitious economic transformation agenda.
“Osun is on the march again. We will accelerate development, widen the net of good governance and continue our journey to transform Osun from a civil service state into an industrial state and a preferred investment destination,” the governor said.
Adeleke also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his support for a free and fair election.
“I thank Mr President, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his support for a free and fair election,” he said.
He also commended democracy advocates, Nigerians at home and abroad and the media for their roles in the electoral process.
The victory now hands Adeleke another four years to deliver on his development promises, while placing him under increased pressure to convert the political capital of his enlarged mandate into measurable improvements in jobs, infrastructure, investment and living standards across Osun State.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has congratulated Governor Adeleke, on his re-election, describing the victory as a strong affirmation of the people’s confidence in his leadership and a boost to Nigeria’s democratic development.
Tinubu, in a statement, said he personally called Adeleke earlier on Sunday to congratulate him on his electoral victory.
According to the President, Adeleke’s re-election was “a fitting assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in our country under the All Progressives Congress administration.”
“I called Governor Ademola Adeleke earlier today to congratulate him on his election victory in Osun State. His victory once again confirmed the confidence the people of Osun State have in him,” Tinubu said.
The President urged Adeleke to use his second term to unite the people of the state, irrespective of their political affiliations and choices during the election.
Tinubu charged the governor-elect to rally the people of Osun around the shared goals of growth, stability and socio-economic development.
“Now that he has won, Governor Adeleke must unite the people of Osun State and rally them for growth, stability, and social and economic progress, regardless of the political choices they made at the election,” he said.
The President also commended the other contestants for what he described as courage and discipline, saying their participation had enriched Nigeria’s democratic culture.
“I salute the courage and discipline displayed by other contestants in the election. Their participation deepened and enriched our country’s democratic culture,” Tinubu said.
He maintained that the outcome of the election reflected the will of the people, stressing that the peaceful conclusion of the exercise demonstrated the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“The outcome of the election reflects the will of the people and is a fitting assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in our land,” the President declared.
Tinubu further applauded INEC and security agencies for conducting what he described as a peaceful and transparent election that produced a clear winner.
“I must also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission and the security agencies for conducting a peaceful and transparent election that produced a clear winner,” he said.
The President wished Adeleke success as he prepares to lead Osun State for another four years, while calling for continued efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system.
“May our democracy continue to thrive and be strengthened,” Tinubu added.
Similarly, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has congratulated Governor Adeleke on his re-election in the Osun State governorship election, describing the outcome as a victory for democracy and the people’s power to choose their leaders.
Obi, in a statement titled “Osun: When the People Stand, Democracy Wins,” said the people of Osun had spoken with “courage and clarity” by renewing Adeleke’s mandate at the ballot box.
He said Adeleke’s commitment to the people, compassion for their needs and achievements in office earned him the confidence of the electorate for another term.
“I warmly congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and the good people of Osun State on this important democratic victory,” Obi stated.
According to him, the election reaffirmed the principle that political power ultimately belongs to the people.
“They — Osun people — have spoken with courage and clarity, reaffirming that the power to choose their leaders belongs to the people,” he said.
Obi Hails Osun Youths
Obi reserved special praise for youths in the state, whom he credited with peacefully defending their democratic mandate.
He described the youths as courageous and vigilant, saying their conduct demonstrated the power of citizens to protect the integrity of elections.
“I particularly commend the courageous youths of Osun who rose to the occasion and peacefully defended their democratic mandate,” Obi said.
He added that their determination showed that citizens could overcome attempts to undermine their democratic choices when they remained committed to protecting their votes.
‘Every Genuine Vote Must Be Respected’
The former presidential candidate said the Osun election offered a wider lesson for Nigeria, insisting that democracy can only thrive when citizens remain alert and actively participate in the electoral process.
“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,” he stated.
Obi stressed that every legitimate vote must be respected and every lawful electoral mandate protected.
He subsequently linked the Osun outcome to the 2027 general elections, urging Nigerians to remain politically informed and actively participate in the process.
Obi Fires 2027 Warning
The NDC presidential candidate called on Nigerians to vote and protect their votes in 2027, arguing that citizens experiencing hunger, insecurity, deprivation and economic hardship possess the ultimate democratic instrument to demand change.
“Nigerians must remain informed, participate actively, vote, and protect their votes,” he said.
Obi maintained that Nigerians themselves have the power, through their votes, to bring about the political change required to address the challenges confronting the country.
He also urged political actors to put the interests of Nigerians above partisan considerations, while calling for peace, unity and respect for the rule of law.
“Elections should never be battles of violence, but contests of ideas, competence, character, and service,” he declared.
Obi said the Osun experience should strengthen Nigerians’ confidence in democracy and encourage citizens across the country to remain vigilant in defending the integrity of the electoral process.
He expressed hope that the experience would contribute to the emergence of a Nigeria that is just, secure, prosperous and genuinely centred on the welfare of its citizens.
On his part, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has congratulated Governor Adeleke on his re-election in the 2026 Osun State governorship election, declaring that the result reflects the choice of the people as expressed through the ballot box.
Atiku, in a message shared on Sunday, commended Osun voters for turning out to participate in the election and praised them for maintaining peace during the exercise.
“I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke, @AAdeleke_01, on his re-election as Governor of Osun State,” Atiku stated.
According to him, Adeleke’s victory represents the decision of the electorate and should be respected as an expression of the people’s democratic will.
“His victory demonstrates the choice of the people of Osun as expressed at the ballot box,” he said.
The former vice president also applauded Osun voters for their enthusiasm and peaceful participation in the keenly contested election.
“I commend the people for their passion and peaceful participation,” Atiku added.
He subsequently wished Adeleke success as he begins another term in office, urging him to remain focused on serving the people of Osun State.
“I wish Governor Adeleke continued success as he continues to serve them,” he said.
In a related development, a fresh political storm has erupted following a heated exchange between APC chieftain, James Faleke and Afrobeats superstar Davido over the outcome of the Osun State governorship election.
The war of words began after Davido accused Faleke of allegedly putting pressure on INEC to alter the outcome of the election and urged the APC chieftain to respect the decision of Osun voters.
Davido, in a direct message to Faleke, declared: “Hon. James Faleke, stop putting pressure on INEC to change Osun election result. Respect the wishes of Osun people.”
The music star, who has openly backed Governor Ademola Adeleke, further declared: “We don’t want Oyetola and AMBO.”
Faleke, however, fired back, dismissing any suggestion that he could influence the electoral commission or manipulate the outcome of the election.
The APC chieftain said he travelled to Osun to support his party’s candidate, while Davido supported his uncle, Governor Adeleke, who contested on the Accord platform.
“I came to Osun to support my party’s candidate, while you supported your uncle’s party (Accord),” Faleke told Davido.
He insisted that INEC operates independently and cannot be manipulated by him or any individual.
“INEC is a body that can’t be influenced by me or anyone else,” Faleke said.
Rejecting the allegation that he had ever rigged an election, Faleke declared that he had neither manipulated an election in the past nor intended to start doing so now.
“I have never influenced or rigged before and I don’t plan to start now,” he stated.
Faleke then delivered a blunt challenge to Davido, urging the singer to accept the political realities of the contest while he and other politicians continued with their political activities.
“Face your music while we face our politics,” Faleke said.
The exchange has injected fresh heat into an already fiercely contested Osun political landscape, with the election producing sharp reactions from politicians, celebrities and supporters across rival camps.
Davido had emerged as one of the most vocal celebrity supporters of Adeleke during the election, while Faleke campaigned for the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
The confrontation underscores the intense political rivalry surrounding the Osun election and the heightened sensitivity over the handling and final declaration of the results.
