Obi and Saraki Praise Adeleke on His Re-election

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki have congratulated Ademola Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State, on his re-election.

Adeleke won the governorship election held on Saturday, with results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday. He received 511,067 votes across the state.

The State Returning Officer, Prof Joshua Ogunwole, declared Adeleke of the Accord Party as the winner around 7:24 am on Sunday.

In a statement on his X handle, Obi said the election showed that the people have the power to choose their leaders. He stated, “I warmly congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and the good people of Osun State on this important democratic victory.

“They, Osun people, have spoken with courage and clarity, reaffirming that the power to choose their leaders belongs to the people.”

Obi praised the youth in Osun for peacefully defending their democratic rights. He noted that the election results offer lessons for the upcoming 2027 general elections. He said, “The lesson from Osun is clear: democracy is strongest when citizens are alert, conscious of their civic responsibility, and determined to ensure that their votes count.

“Every genuine vote must be respected, and every lawful mandate must be protected.”

“Elections should never be battles of violence, but contests of ideas, competence, character, and service,” he added. Obi expressed hope that the experience in Osun would boost confidence in the democratic process and motivate Nigerians to work towards a fair and secure nation.

Saraki also congratulated Adeleke in a separate statement on his X handle. He called Adeleke’s re-election a vote of confidence in his leadership. He said, “I congratulate my dear brother and friend, Governor Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election as Governor of Osun State.

“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.”

Saraki applauded the residents of Osun for voting and staying alert to protect their votes. He stated, “At a time when there are legitimate concerns about the strength and credibility of our democratic institutions, every election in which the will of the people is freely expressed, faithfully counted and ultimately respected is an important victory for our democracy.”

He urged Adeleke to make the most of his second term and build on his administration's achievements. “I wish him well, and I trust that he will use the next four years to deepen the work already begun, justify the confidence of the people of Osun, and leave behind a stronger and more prosperous state,” Saraki said.

Adeleke defeated his closest opponent, Bola Oyebamiji from the All Progressives Congress, who got 444,815 votes and won 11 of the state’s 30 local government areas. The ADC candidate, Najeem Salaam, came third with 17,180 votes.