Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and former Senate President Bukola Saraki have congratulated Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as Governor of Osun State.
The three opposition figures, in separate messages, described Adeleke’s victory as a reflection of the choice of Osun voters and commended residents for participating in the election.
Atiku congratulated Adeleke on his re-election, saying the result demonstrated the choice of the people as expressed through their votes.
“I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as Governor of Osun State,” Atiku said.
He further commended Osun residents for their passion and peaceful participation in the election, while wishing Adeleke continued success in his second term.
Kwankwaso, who also congratulated Adeleke, said the election showed that when citizens fulfil their civic responsibilities and make their voices heard, their will should prevail.
“As a leader of the opposition and a committed democrat, I commend the people of Osun State for exercising their democratic rights and reaffirming the power of the people’s mandate,” he said.
Kwankwaso also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for its conduct of the election and urged all stakeholders to continue upholding the principles of credible, peaceful and transparent elections.
“This victory is a reminder that when citizens remain committed to their civic responsibilities and make their voices heard, the people’s will must prevail .
“I also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission for the conduct of the election and encourage all stakeholders to continue to uphold the principles of credible, peaceful and transparent elections. Congratulations once again to Governor Adeleke and the good people of Osun State.” he said.
Saraki in his statement said the outcome showed that Osun voters had assessed Adeleke’s first-term performance and chosen to give him another mandate.
“The people of Osun have spoken, and they have spoken clearly,”
“They have had four years to judge the record of his stewardship, to weigh the promises against the performance, and they have asked him to continue. There can be no greater vote of confidence for a leader than the freely expressed verdict of the people he serves.”Saraki said.
He commended residents who participated in the election and remained vigilant in protecting their votes.
According to him, elections in which the will of the people is freely expressed, properly counted and respected are important victories for Nigeria’s democracy.
Saraki urged Adeleke to use his second term to build on the work of his first administration and justify the confidence placed in him by Osun voters.
He wished the governor success in his second term and expressed hope that Adeleke would leave behind a stronger and more prosperous Osun State.
NPO Reports that Adeleke had won the poll with a total vote of 511,067, defeating his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who recorded a total of 444,815 votes.