By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party on his victory in the 2026 governorship election, describing the outcome as a clear expression of the will of the people.
The party also congratulated the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and other participants in the election, while urging Adeleke to use his renewed mandate to promote inclusive governance and development across the state.
In a statement issued in Osogbo on Sunday and signed by the ADC State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Abdulsalam Abdulkudus, on behalf of the Acting State Chairman, Hon. Okandeji Abideen, the party said the election had demonstrated the importance of allowing citizens to freely determine their political leadership through the ballot.
The ADC congratulated Adeleke, who according to the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), polled 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Oyebamiji of the APC, who secured 444,815 votes.
The party also recognised the performance of its candidate, Rt. Hon. Najeem Folasayo Salaam, who scored 17,180 votes, alongside other candidates and political parties that participated in the election.
“The people of Osun State have spoken, and their will has prevailed,” the party said, stressing that democracy ultimately revolves around the people and that the outcome of the election should be respected as an expression of the collective choice of the electorate.
The ADC urged Adeleke to regard his victory not simply as a political triumph but as an opportunity to consolidate his administration’s achievements and do more for the people of the state.
It specifically called on the governor-elect to sustain and expand efforts in infrastructure, healthcare delivery, education, agriculture, youth empowerment and employment creation, among other areas affecting the welfare of residents.
According to the party, the renewed mandate should also provide an opportunity for the governor to build bridges across political divides and ensure that citizens who did not support his candidacy are not excluded from governance.
“The mandate belongs ultimately to the people of Osun State,” the party stated, urging the incoming administration to use the victory to “build bridges, unite the people, promote inclusive governance and ensure that every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, has a sense of belonging.”
The party’s position came shortly after the conclusion of the governorship election and the declaration of Adeleke as winner by the INEC Returning Officer.
Adeleke secured victory in 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11 LGAs, according to the results announced during the collation.
The ADC also commended the various stakeholders involved in the election, including security agencies, INEC officials, election observers, political parties, candidates, journalists, civil society organisations and the electorate.
It particularly praised the people of Osun for participating in the democratic process and urged all stakeholders to maintain peace following the conclusion of the election.
The party said it remained committed to democracy, good governance, accountability, justice and the development of Osun State, adding that it looked forward to a peaceful post-election period.
The ADC further urged the governor to place the overall interest of the state above partisan considerations as he begins the next phase of his administration.
It said the election should mark the beginning of a period of reconciliation and collective effort towards addressing the challenges confronting the state rather than deepen political divisions.
“Once again, we congratulate His Excellency, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, on his victory and we congratulate all the gubernatorial candidates for their participation and service to democracy.
“The people have spoken. Their will has prevailed. May Osun State continue to prosper,” the statement added.
