-
Pledges More Development, Investment In Osun
Re-elected Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke has extended an olive branch to his co-contestants in Saturday’s governorship election, declaring that his victory marks the beginning of a new phase of unity and development for the state.
Adeleke spoke while addressing journalists after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him winner of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The governor, who contested under the platform of the Accord Party, polled 511,067 votes to defeat the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes. Adeleke won by a margin of 66,252 votes, according to the results announced by INEC.
Following his re-election, Adeleke thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his strong support for a free and fair electoral process, saying the President was “a son of Osun State.
“I must appreciate His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his strong support for a free and fair election. Mr President is a son of Osun State,” Adeleke said.
The governor also expressed appreciation to supporters of democracy within Nigeria and abroad, saying the level of support received during the election was overwhelming.
“To all lovers of democracy, I thank you for supporting our struggle. The support is overwhelming, both home and abroad. Osun State is on the march again,” he said.
Adeleke promised that his administration would build on its achievements and expand development across the state, stressing that his government would widen the reach of good governance.
He also struck a conciliatory tone towards his opponents, saying the outcome of the election should not create permanent divisions among the people of the state.
“In this race, there is no victor, no vanquished,” the governor declared, adding, “I extend an olive branch to my co-contestants. I am the governor of all Osun State people.”
The governor further outlined his vision of transforming Osun from what he described as a predominantly civil service state into an industrial state and a major investment destination.
“My vision [is] taking Osun from a civil service state to an industrial state and investment destination,” Adeleke said.
Adeleke’s victory gives him another term in office after he first won the governorship election in 2022. In the latest poll, he secured victories across 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11 LGAs.
The governor also used his victory speech to make a significant statement ahead of the 2027 presidential election, reaffirming his earlier endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term.
“I hereby reaffirm my earlier endorsement for the second term of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 Presidential Election,” Adeleke said.
He congratulated the people of Osun State and all supporters of good governance, signalling that his administration would now focus on consolidating its mandate and pursuing its development agenda.
INEC’s declaration came after the commission announced results from all 30 local government areas of the state.