Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said he has forgiven everyone who offended him during the campaign for the state’s governorship election.
Adeleke spoke on Wednesday while receiving his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the commission’s state office in Osogbo.
The governor, who emerged victorious in the August 15 governorship election, said he had put the disagreements and confrontations that characterised the election campaign behind him.
“All the people that offended me, I have forgiven them. The good Lord has fought my battle and I have overcome,” Adeleke said.
He also appealed to his fellow contestants in the election to put political differences aside and work with his administration towards the development of Osun State.
Adeleke said his administration remained committed to moving the state forward, declaring himself the governor of all residents regardless of how they voted during the election.
The governor also announced a scholarship initiative for the children of people who lost their lives during the electoral process.
He expressed appreciation to INEC for conducting the election and for the presentation of the Certificate of Return, which formally recognised his victory.
The presentation came as Adeleke begins preparations for another term in office following his victory at the August 15 poll.
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INEC describes certificate presentation as constitutional milestone
Speaking at the ceremony, the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, described the presentation of the Certificate of Return as a solemn constitutional milestone in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Babalola said elections remained one of the most visible expressions of democratic governance, adding that the significance of the occasion was particularly important to the people of Osun State.
“The governorship election was a successful democratic exercise in which all stakeholders played important roles,” she said.
The REC commended the security agencies for their coordination and efforts in creating what she described as a free atmosphere for citizens to exercise their franchise.
She also praised the media for helping to counter fake news, misinformation and disinformation during the electoral process.
Babalola acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers and community leaders, saying their efforts were important to maintaining peace and encouraging participation throughout the election.
She further commended residents of Osun State for their determination to make their votes count, while praising INEC officials for their professionalism and resilience during the electoral process.
According to the REC, the election recorded a voter turnout of 43.2 per cent, which she described as evidence of the participation of Osun residents in the democratic process.
“The presentation of the Certificate of Return means that democracy has come to stay in our country,” Babalola said.
She congratulated Adeleke and his deputy on their victory and urged them to remain committed to serving the people of Osun State.
INEC commissioner praises Osun voters
Also speaking at the ceremony, INEC National Commissioner for the South-West, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, described the occasion as a significant day for democracy in Osun State and Nigeria.
Ajayi congratulated Adeleke on his victory and commended the people of Osun State for participating in the electoral process.
He said the electorate had demonstrated courage by refusing to surrender their democratic rights to fear and intimidation.
According to him, the outcome of the election underscored the importance of allowing citizens to freely exercise their franchise.
Ajayi reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair and conclusive elections across the country.
He, however, urged political parties to do more to educate their agents on electoral procedures to ensure that they understand the rules governing elections and can effectively participate in the process.
The call came as stakeholders continue to assess the conduct of the Osun governorship election and look ahead to future electoral contests.
With the Certificate of Return now formally presented, Adeleke is expected to focus on consolidating his administration and delivering on his promises to the people of Osun State, while his call for reconciliation could help ease political tensions following the keenly contested election.
