- Safiu Kehinde
The African Democratic Congress National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, over his re-election.
Aregbesola, in a statement issued on his X handle on Monday, maintained that the decision of Osun people must be respected as he felicitated with Adeleke over his victory at the Saturday poll.
The former Osun governor, whose candidate, Najeem Salaam, came third at the poll with 17,180 votes, extended his best wishes to Adeleke.
‘I congratulate Senator Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as the Governor of Osun following the governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
‘Elections are moments when citizens exercise their sovereign right to choose who they wish to entrust with the responsibility of governing them.
‘Now that the people of Osun have spoken through the ballot, their decision must be respected.
‘I therefore extend my best wishes to Governor Adeleke as he prepares to commence another term in office.’ He said.
Meanwhile, Aregbesola urged Adeleke to use his second term to unite the state and deepen development.
He also urged him to make his administration inclusive and extend hand of fellowship to all political tendencies.
‘The task before the governor is now greater than the contest that has just ended.
‘I urge him to see the outcome as a renewed mandate to unite the state, deepen development and govern with fairness, humility and a strong sense of responsibility to every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation.
‘I urge Governor Adeleke to extend the hand of fellowship to all political tendencies and to make the next chapter of his administration one of greater inclusion, reconciliation and service to all.
‘To the ADC family, let us remain united, disciplined and hopeful.
‘Political journeys are often longer than individual electoral contests. The values that brought us together (good governance, accountability, justice, competence and service to the people) remain worthy of our continued commitment.
‘Once again, I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and wish him wisdom, good health and success in the service of Osun, our dear State.’ The ADC National Secretary said.
Meanwhile, Aregbesola also commended the people of Osun for their participation at the poll.
‘I also commend the people of Osun for their participation in the democratic process and political sophistication.
‘I must also appeal to all political actors, supporters and citizens to allow the state to move forward in peace and unity.’ He wrote.
Aregbesola also hailed the ADC candidate and the party’s supporters for their commitment all through their campaign.
‘To the men and women of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun, I say: thank you. I am particularly proud of your steadfastness, courage and commitment throughout this journey.
‘You stood firm, worked tirelessly and remained committed to the ideals that brought us together, even in the face of enormous political pressure and an intensely competitive electoral environment.
‘Most importantly, I salute you for standing solidly with our candidate, Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam (IWALOYE).
‘Your loyalty to the candidate and the cause was demonstrated not merely in words, but also through months of sacrifice, mobilisation, advocacy and peaceful participation in the democratic process.
‘Dr. Salaam has conducted himself with dignity throughout this contest. His campaign represented our tradition and conviction that politics should be about ideas, competence, character and service to the people.
‘I commend him for the maturity with which he has received the outcome of the election and for putting the peace and unity of Osun above personal ambition.’ He said.