Aregbesola Congratulates Adeleke, Commends ADC Members After Osun Election

Former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, urging him to use the renewed mandate to unite the state and deepen development.

Aregbesola, in a statement on Monday, also commended the people of Osun for what he described as their “political sophistication” and participation in the August 15 governorship election.

He said the outcome of the election should be respected, noting that elections provide citizens with an opportunity to exercise their sovereign right to choose their leaders.

“I congratulate Senator Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as the Governor of Osun following the governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026,” he said.

“Now that the people of Osun have spoken through the ballot, their decision must be respected.”

Aregbesola urged Adeleke to regard the election result as a renewed mandate to unite the state and govern with fairness, humility and responsibility towards all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation.

“The task before the governor is now greater than the contest that has just ended,” he said.

He also appealed to political actors, supporters and residents to allow Osun to move forward in peace and unity.

The former governor reserved special praise for members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), commending them for their “steadfastness, courage and commitment” throughout the election 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,” he said.

Aregbesola particularly commended ADC members for standing behind the party’s governorship candidate, Najeem Folasayo Salaam, whom he said conducted his campaign with dignity.

“Most importantly, I salute you for standing solidly with our candidate, Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam (IWALOYE),” he said.

According to him, Salaam’s campaign reflected the ADC’s belief that politics should be centred on “ideas, competence, character and service to the people”.

He also praised the candidate for accepting the election outcome with maturity and placing the peace and unity of Osun above personal ambition.

Aregbesola urged ADC supporters, volunteers, campaigners and agents to remain committed to the state despite the electoral setback.

“This electoral journey may have produced a different outcome from what we hoped and worked for, but our commitment to the future of Osun must not end with an election,” he said.

He urged the ADC family to preserve the relationships built during the campaign, continue to engage constructively, hold the government accountable and offer responsible alternatives where necessary.

Aregbesola also called on Adeleke to extend “the hand of fellowship” to all political tendencies and make his next term one of greater inclusion, reconciliation and service.

“To the ADC family, let us remain united, disciplined and hopeful. Political journeys are often longer than individual electoral contests,” he said.

He concluded by reiterating his congratulations to Adeleke and wishing him “wisdom, good health and success” in the service of Osun State.

“Power is responsibility,” Aregbesola said.