By Reporting Team
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reacted to his victory in the August 15 governorship election, expressing appreciation to God and the people of the state while sending messages to President Bola Tinubu and his closest challenger, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, winner of the keenly contested election on Sunday.
Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who secured 444,815 votes.
Following his declaration as winner, Adeleke described the outcome as a victory for democracy and attributed his success to the support of the people of Osun State.
“I thank God Almighty for this victory. It’s a victory for democracy. Victory for Osun election,” Adeleke said, according to Vanguard.
The governor also described his victory as a reward from the people for the achievements of his administration, particularly in infrastructure, healthcare and security.
“The victory is a way Osun people is repaying me for the infrastructural developments, health, security and other things I have delivered for my people,” he said.
Adeleke awaits AMBO’s congratulatory call
In a message that could signal a desire to lower the political temperature following the closely fought election, Adeleke said he expected Oyebamiji to call and congratulate him.
“It’s no victor, no vanquish. I am expecting for the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, to call me and congratulate me,” the governor said.
The statement comes after a fiercely contested campaign in which Adeleke and Oyebamiji emerged as the two dominant contenders for the Osun Government House.
‘Thank you, Mr President’
Adeleke also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu following his re-election.
In a separate reaction reported by Vanguard, the governor thanked Tinubu over the outcome of the election.
The development is politically significant given that the APC campaign in Osun was backed by the Federal Government and prominent party leaders, with Tinubu previously expressing confidence in Oyebamiji’s candidacy.
Vanguard also reported that Accord Party chieftain Pelumi Olajengbesi claimed that Tinubu had congratulated Adeleke even before the official declaration of the result.
Adeleke: ‘I have a God who never fails’
Reflecting on the outcome, Adeleke further expressed confidence in divine intervention, saying:
“I have a God who never fails.”
His victory means Adeleke has secured another term as governor of Osun State after defeating his principal challenger in a race that attracted intense political interest across the country.
According to the final result reported by Vanguard, Adeleke won 19 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured 11 LGAs.
The governor’s post-election comments, particularly his expectation that Oyebamiji would congratulate him, have also raised expectations of a peaceful transition from campaign politics to governance.