'Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as Governor of Osun State, describing the outcome as a clear reflection of the will of the people expressed at the ballot box. Atiku made the remarks in a post on his official X handle on Sunday, August 16, 2026, shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke the winner of Saturday's governorship election.
"I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as Governor of Osun State," Atiku wrote. "His victory demonstrates the choice of the people of Osun as expressed at the ballot box. I commend the people for their passion and peaceful participation. I wish Governor Adeleke continued success as he continues to serve them."
Atiku's congratulatory message came as the ADC presidential candidate had earlier warned against the militarisation of the Osun election, describing the poll as a critical test of Nigeria's readiness for credible elections ahead of 2027. His praise for the peaceful conduct of the electorate marked a notable departure from the tensions that had characterised the build-up to the poll.
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party, as the winner with a total of 511,067 votes. His closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, polled 444,815 votes. Adeleke won 19 of the state's 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured 11.
Governor Adeleke's re-election victory was also acknowledged by President Bola Tinubu, who reportedly called the governor to congratulate him, according to the Imole Campaign Council. Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, also congratulated Adeleke, describing the election as a demonstration of the power of citizens to determine their leaders.
Atiku's endorsement of the Osun outcome is significant given the broader political context. The ADC presidential candidate is positioning himself for the 2027 general elections and has consistently emphasised the need for transparent and credible electoral processes across Nigeria. His statement on the Osun election underlined that message, while also acknowledging the maturity of the electorate in the South-West state.
In his post, Atiku commended the people of Osun for what he described as their passion and peaceful participation, a recognition of the largely peaceful conduct of the election despite isolated incidents of violence and technical glitches. His message also served as a reminder that the voice of the people, when expressed freely and peacefully, remains the ultimate determinant of electoral outcomes.
As Governor Adeleke begins his second term in office, the congratulations from across the political spectrum underscore the significance of the Osun election as a bellwether for the 2027 general elections. For Atiku, the message was clear: the choice of Osun voters must be respected, and their verdict honoured.
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