Politicians from different parties on Sunday have congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election in Osun State, with many praising residents who stayed at polling units to protect their votes.
Governor Adeleke won a second term as Osun State governor. Leaders across Nigeria’s political divide, including NDC’s Peter Obi, ADC’s Atiku Abubakar, former Kwara governor Bukola Saraki, and Accord’s Oyo State governorship candidate Oriyomi Hamzat, sent him congratulatory messages. Their common point was praise for Osun people who came out to vote and stayed to guard the results.
A shared message from different camps
Peter Obi congratulated Adeleke and the people of Osun, saying they had spoken with courage and clarity to reaffirm that the power to pick leaders belongs to the people. He said Adeleke earned his renewed mandate through his commitment to the people, compassion for their needs, and his record in office.
Obi singled out young people in Osun for special praise.
He said: “I particularly commend the courageous youths of Osun who rose to the occasion and peacefully defended their democratic mandate.”
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He said this shows that when citizens stand firmly to protect their votes, good can win over bad.
Atiku Abubakar also congratulated Adeleke, saying the outcome showed the choice of Osun people at the ballot box. He commended residents for their passion and peaceful participation, and wished Adeleke continued success as governor.
Bukola Saraki, who described Adeleke as his brother and friend, said Osun people had four years to judge his work before asking him to continue.
He said: “There can be no greater vote of confidence for a leader than the freely expressed verdict of the people he serves.”
Saraki also praised those who voted and stayed vigilant to defend their choice.
Saraki noted there are worries about the strength and trustworthiness of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
He said any election where the people’s will is freely expressed, correctly counted and respected in the end is an important win for democracy. He said Adeleke now carries the duty of using the next four years to build on his earlier work and leave Osun State better off.
Oriyomi Hamzat, who is running for governor in neighbouring Oyo State under the Accord party, also sent his congratulations.
He called the fresh mandate a strong vote of confidence in Adeleke’s leadership and his record in his first term.
Hamzat said he looks forward to more development in infrastructure, healthcare, education and welfare programmes in Osun during the new term. He wished Adeleke strength and wisdom in the years ahead.
Politicians point to lessons for 2027
Beyond the congratulations, the leaders tied the Osun result to Nigeria’s next general election in 2027.
Peter Obi said the lesson from Osun is that democracy works best when citizens stay alert and take their civic duty seriously, and when every genuine vote and every lawful mandate is respected.
He called this a clarion call for Nigerians as the country heads toward 2027, saying citizens must stay informed, take part, vote, and defend their votes.
He said Nigerians who suffer hunger, hardship and insecurity are also the ones with the power, through their votes, to bring change.
Obi also asked political actors to put the interests of the people above party interests and to embrace peace, unity and the rule of law. He said elections should be contests of ideas, competence, character and service, never violence.
He said the Osun experience should build confidence in the democratic process and inspire Nigerians everywhere to build a just, secure and prosperous nation.
Saraki, for his part, said Adeleke’s second term comes with both the benefit and the responsibility of a fresh mandate from the people.
He said he trusts the governor will use the next four years to build on the work already started, prove the confidence Osun people placed in him, and leave behind a stronger state for residents.
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