TD OSOGBO, OSUN STATE —Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 presidential election, shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him winner of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
Adeleke, speaking to journalists on Sunday after the final declaration, commended President Tinubu for what he described as his support for a free and fair electoral process in the state.
He said: “At this point, I must deeply appreciate Mr. President, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his strong support for a free and fair election.
“Mr. President is a son of Osun State, and I hereby reaffirm my earlier endorsement of him for a second term in the 2027 presidential election.”
The governor’s declaration comes after a closely watched governorship election in which he secured victory over the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
INEC officially declared Ademola Nurudeen Ifeanyichukwu Adeleke the winner of the election.
The Accord Party candidate reportedly won 19 of the state’s 30 Local Government Areas, while Oyebamiji of the APC won 11.
Adeleke: “This Victory Is for God and the People”
In his victory address, Adeleke expressed gratitude to God and the people of Osun State for giving him another mandate.
“This victory is for God and the people!” he declared.
The governor said the renewed mandate represented the confidence of Osun voters in his administration, promising not to disappoint them.
He also called on residents to put the election behind them and embrace peace, forgiveness and unity.
“There is no victor, no vanquished. I extend the olive branch to all my co-contestants. I am the Governor of all.”
Adeleke also paid tribute to victims of pre-election violence, observing a minute of silence in their honour and calling on traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to promote healing and reconciliation across the state.
Governor Promises Faster Development
The governor pledged to use his second term to consolidate his administration’s achievements, address its shortcomings and accelerate development across the state.
According to him, his administration will “widen the net of good governance”.
He promised to continue efforts to transform Osun from what he described as a civil-service-oriented state into an industrial state and a preferred destination for investment.
“Osun is on the march again,” Adeleke said.
He also expressed appreciation to lovers of democracy in Nigeria and abroad, as well as members of the media, for their role in supporting the democratic process.
How Osun Voted
According to the results presented, Accord secured victories in 19 LGAs, including Ede South, Ede North, Ife North, Ilesa West, Ifedayo, Ife Central, Orolu, Osogbo, Oriade, Odo-Otin, Ife East, Ifelodun, Iwo, Ila, Ayedire, Egbedore, Ayedaade and Ejigbo.
The APC won 11 LGAs, including Ilesa East, Boripe, Irepodun, Obokun, Atakumosa West, Irewole, Atakumosa East, Isokan, Ola-Oluwa, Ife South and Olorunda.
The result triggered celebrations among Adeleke’s supporters across parts of Osun State, with scenes of jubilation reported following the official declaration.
Adeleke’s renewed endorsement of President Tinubu also marks a significant political development ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
It potentially reinforced the political relationship between the Osun governor and the President.
