Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has promised not to disappoint the people of the state following his re-election for a second term, saying his administration will build on its achievements while addressing areas where it fell short.
Adeleke made the pledge on Sunday at a press conference shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him the winner of the August 15 governorship election.
The governor, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, dedicated his victory to the people of Osun, whom he said had endured intense political pressure in the months leading to the election.
“In the last few months, Osun people have been under very intense pressure. Today, the issues are settled by the grace of God and people.
“I, therefore, dedicate this victory to the good people of Osun State. I deeply appreciate your resilience, your strong will, and your unwavering commitment to democracy,” Adeleke said.
The governor assured residents that their renewed confidence in his leadership would not be taken for granted, promising to improve on his administration’s performance during his second term.
“As you have trusted me again for the second term in office, I will not disappoint you. To serve you better, I will reinforce my strong points and correct my errors under my renewed five-point agenda,” he said.
Adeleke promises more development
Adeleke said his administration would intensify its development efforts and expand the reach of good governance across the state.
He also extended an olive branch to his political opponents, stressing that the election should not create division among the people.
“Osun State is on the march again. We shall expand development and widen the net of good governance. In this race, there is no victor, no vanquished. I extend my olive branch to my co-contestants. I am the governor of all Osun State people,” he said.
According to him, his long-term vision is to transform Osun from a predominantly civil service-based economy into an industrial and investment destination.
“My vision: taking Osun from a civil service state to an industrial state and an investment destination,” Adeleke stated.
He also thanked supporters of democracy, both within Nigeria and abroad, as well as journalists who covered the election.
“To all lovers of democracy, I thank you for supporting our struggle from home and abroad. The support is overwhelming. My faith in democracy is deepened,” he said.
Adeleke added, “Most importantly, I thank the media for standing by me, by us. The constant coverage in support of democracy emboldened us. We are grateful.”
Adeleke defeats Oyebamiji
Adeleke was declared winner at about 7:24am on Sunday by the State Returning Officer, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti.
The Accord Party candidate polled 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who secured 444,815 votes.
Adeleke won in 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11. The African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam, finished third with 17,180 votes.
The victory gives Adeleke another four-year mandate after he was first elected governor in 2022 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party before defecting to the Accord Party ahead of the 2026 election.
With the election now concluded, Adeleke is expected to focus on consolidating his administration’s achievements, correcting identified shortcomings and delivering on his promise to move Osun towards greater economic development and investment.
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