The Pan-Yoruba Socio-Political Organisation, Afenifere, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the governorship election and commended President Bola Tinubu for demonstrating statesmanship by congratulating him.
Afenifere said Tinubu’s decision to telephone Adeleke to congratulate him before the formal declaration of the result by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was particularly commendable because the candidate of the President’s All Progressives Congress (APC) was defeated.
In a statement signed by its National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, the organisation also congratulated the people of Osun State for their commitment to democracy and peaceful exercise of their franchise.
It said the election had reaffirmed the principle that sovereignty ultimately resides with the people, stressing that their verdict must be respected and their mandate regarded as sacrosanct.
Afenifere urged Adeleke to receive the renewed confidence of the electorate with humility and a strong sense of responsibility, saying the mandate was not a political trophy but a solemn covenant with the people of the state.
The group charged the governor to govern with fairness, inclusiveness and fidelity to the public good, while transcending partisan considerations in the larger interest of Osun State.
It said Tinubu’s gesture was a “refreshing manifestation of democratic maturity,” particularly at a time when electoral contests could degenerate into rancour and recrimination.
According to Afenifere, the President’s action demonstrated that partisan competition should never eclipse the national interest and that the President, irrespective of political allegiance, must remain a father to all Nigerians.
The organisation urged political leaders across the country to emulate the gesture, stressing that electoral contests should end with acceptance of the people’s verdict rather than vendetta, recrimination or institutional hostility.
“Political fortunes are transient; democratic institutions and national cohesion must endure,” Afenifere said.
The organisation wished Adeleke wisdom, courage and sagacity as he continues to discharge the responsibility entrusted to him by the people of Osun State.
