OSUN — Former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, urging him to use his renewed mandate to promote unity, development and inclusive governance across the state.
Aregbesola, in a statement posted on X following the August 15 governorship election, said the outcome reflected the decision of the people of Osun and should be respected by all political actors.
He congratulated Adeleke on his victory and stressed that the electorate’s decision should be accepted as an expression of the people’s will.
“Now that the people of Osun have spoken through the ballot, their decision must be respected,” Aregbesola said.
The former governor, who was involved in the election as a prominent figure within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said Adeleke’s responsibilities were now greater than the political contest that had just ended.
He urged the governor to regard his re-election as a fresh opportunity to unite the state, deepen development and ensure that governance is conducted fairly, irrespective of political affiliation.
According to him, Adeleke should govern with humility and a strong sense of responsibility to all residents of the state.
Aregbesola also commended the people of Osun for participating in the election, describing them as politically sophisticated and demonstrating their commitment to the democratic process.
He, however, reserved special praise for members and supporters of the ADC for what he described as their steadfastness, courage and commitment to the party throughout the election.
“To the men and women of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun, I say: thank you. I am particularly proud of your steadfastness, courage and commitment throughout this journey,” he said.
Aregbesola also commended the ADC governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam, for the manner in which he conducted his campaign and accepted the outcome of the election.
He said Salaam demonstrated that the interest of Osun could be placed above personal political ambition.
The former governor urged ADC members and supporters not to allow the party’s defeat at the polls to bring an end to their commitment to the state.
Rather, he encouraged them to remain united, continue to hold the government accountable and provide constructive alternatives where necessary.
Aregbesola said democracy becomes stronger when political actors are able to compete vigorously during elections, accept the decision of the electorate and continue contributing positively to society after the polls.
“Democracy is strengthened when political actors demonstrate the courage to compete vigorously, the humility and maturity to accept the people’s decision and the wisdom to continue contributing to society afterwards,” he said.
He further appealed to Adeleke to extend what he described as “the hand of fellowship” to political groups across the state, saying his second term should focus on reconciliation, unity and broader inclusion.
While addressing ADC members, Aregbesola said the principles that brought them together, including good governance, accountability, justice, competence and public service, remained important beyond the election.
He urged them to continue pursuing those values, stressing that political journeys are often longer than individual electoral contests.
“Political journeys are often longer than individual electoral contests,” he said.
Aregbesola concluded by wishing Adeleke wisdom, good health and success as he begins another term in office, reminding him that public office comes with responsibility.
“Power is responsibility,” the former governor said.
