National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, urging all political actors to respect the decision of the electorate.
Adeleke secured a second term in office after winning Saturday’s governorship election with 511,067 votes across the state’s 30 local government areas.
The APC candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, came second with 444,815 votes, while the ADC candidate, Najeem Salaam, polled 17,180 votes to finish third.
Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State, had backed Salaam and actively participated in the ADC candidate’s campaign ahead of the poll.
In a statement on Monday, Aregbesola said the outcome of the election represented the choice of the people and should be respected.
He congratulated Adeleke on his victory and urged him to use the renewed mandate to unite the state, promote development and govern fairly.
According to him, the governor’s responsibility after the election is greater than the political contest, as he is now expected to serve all residents regardless of their political affiliations.
Aregbesola also commended Osun residents for participating in the electoral process and called on political parties, supporters and other stakeholders to allow the state to move forward in peace and unity.
He thanked members and supporters of the ADC for their commitment and resilience throughout the campaign, despite what he described as intense political pressure and a highly competitive election.
The former governor also praised Salaam for the manner in which he conducted his campaign and accepted the outcome of the election.
Aregbesola said Salaam’s campaign reflected the ADC’s belief that politics should be centred on ideas, competence, character and service to the people.
He urged ADC members and supporters to remain committed to the development of Osun State despite the party’s defeat at the polls.
According to him, the end of an election should not mark the end of political actors’ contributions to society, stressing that democracy is strengthened when politicians can compete strongly, accept the people’s verdict and continue to serve the public afterwards.
Aregbesola also called on Adeleke to extend a hand of fellowship to all political groups in the state and make his second term one of greater inclusion, reconciliation and service to all residents.
