Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has been congratulated by opposition leaders, governors, political parties and civil society groups following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord, the winner after he secured 511,067 votes across 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas. His closest rival, the All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji, polled 444,815 votes, while African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam came third with 17,180 votes.

Adeleke’s 66,252-vote margin was more than double the 28,344-vote margin with which he defeated Gboyega Oyetola in the 2022 election. He had contested that election under the Peoples Democratic Party.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the result as a reflection of the wishes of Osun voters and praised their participation in the electoral process. He said the outcome demonstrated the importance of voters protecting their ballots and also linked the result to the 2027 general elections.

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi similarly praised Adeleke and Osun voters, particularly young people, saying the election showed the importance of civic participation and respect for voters’ mandates.

Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso congratulated Adeleke and commended INEC for conducting the election, urging stakeholders to maintain credible and peaceful electoral practices.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum also congratulated Adeleke, describing the result as evidence of the resilience of Nigeria’s democracy. Governors including Ekiti’s Biodun Oyebanji, Abia’s Alex Otti and Oyo’s Seyi Makinde separately congratulated the governor and urged him to focus on governance during his second term

The PDP, Afenifere and other political figures also welcomed the result, while calling for respect for the electorate’s decision and continued commitment to peaceful democratic processes.