… President calls governor after 19‑LG win, praises peaceful poll; APC candidate concedes in principle
By Rashidat O. Okunlade
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has personally congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re‑election, hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially returned him as the winner of Saturday’s governorship poll.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he telephoned the governor earlier in the day to convey his felicitations.
“I called Governor Ademola Adeleke earlier today to congratulate him on his election victory in Osun State. His victory once again confirmed the confidence the people of Osun State have in him,” Tinubu said.
The President urged the governor to prioritise unity in his second term, adding: “Now that he has won, Governor Adeleke must unite the people of Osun State and rally them for growth, stability, and social and economic progress, regardless of the political choices they made at the election.”
Tinubu also commended other contestants for their discipline, noting that their participation deepened Nigeria’s democratic culture. He praised INEC and security agencies for a peaceful and transparent process that produced a clear winner.
Adeleke Wins 19 of 30 LGs, APC’s Oyebamiji Takes 11
The State Returning Officer, Professor Joshua Ogunwole (Vice‑Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti), declared the final result at approximately 7:24 am on Sunday at the Osogbo collation centre.
Governor Adeleke, flying the flag of the Accord Party, polled 511,067 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who secured 444,815 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam, finished third with 17,180 votes.
Breakdown by local governments:
Adeleke’s wins – Ede North, Ede South, Ejigbo, Iwo, Egbedore, Ife North, Ife East, Ife Central, Oriade, Ifelodun, Orolu, Ayedaade, Ayedire, Odo Otin, Boluwaduro, Ilesa West, Ifedayo, and Osogbo.
Oyebamiji’s wins – Irewole, Isokan, Olorunda, Atakumosa East, Atakumosa West, Ilesa East, Boripe, Irepodun, and Obokun.
Total accredited voters stood at 1,010,684, with 1,005,800 votes cast. Valid votes were 985,079, while 207 ballots were rejected.
Political Reactions
Governor Adeleke, in an initial response, thanked President Tinubu, security agencies, and INEC for ensuring a credible exercise. He also expressed hope that his opponent would soon extend a congratulatory call, as is customary.
Oyebamiji has yet to issue a formal statement, but party sources indicate he is expected to address the outcome later today.
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Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
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