Osun 2026: Aregbesola Speaks On Adeleke’s Re-election

Former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun on his re-election in the just concluded gubernatorial poll in the state.

Aregbesola, in a statement issued on Monday and obtained by Politics Nigeria, noted that the outcome of the August 15 governorship election must be respected.

He stressed that the people of Osun had exercised their constitutional right to choose their preferred leader.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, winner of the keenly contested election after he polled 511,067 votes. His closest challenger, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, secured 444,815 votes, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Folasayo Salaam, came third with 17,180 votes.

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

He added, “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.”

According to him, Adeleke’s responsibility following the election is greater than the contest itself, urging the governor to regard the result as a renewed mandate to govern all residents fairly.

“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,” he said.

The ADC national secretary also commended Osun voters for their participation in the electoral process and appealed to political actors and supporters to allow the state to move forward peacefully.

“I must also appeal to all political actors, supporters and citizens to allow the state to move forward in peace and unity,” he stated.

The former Osun governor equally praised members of the ADC for their commitment to the party and its candidate, Salaam, throughout the election campaign.

He said, “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.”

Aregbesola described Salaam’s conduct during the election as dignified, saying the candidate represented the party’s belief that politics should be driven by ideas, competence, character and service.

“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,” he said.

He further urged Adeleke to extend a hand of fellowship to political opponents and make his second term one characterised by reconciliation and inclusiveness.

“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,” Aregbesola said.

He also urged ADC members to remain united and committed to the principles that brought them together, including good governance, accountability, justice, competence and service to the people.

“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,” he said.