President Bola Tinubu has urged Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to see his re-election as a mandate to serve the people rather than a victory over his political opponents.
Tinubu gave the charge on Thursday when Adeleke visited the State House, Abuja, to thank him for the conduct of the August 15 governorship election and present his certificate of return.
“You did not conquer anybody. You won the election. That is the essence of democracy,” Tinubu told Adeleke.
The president urged the governor to use his victory to promote reconciliation, unity, peace and stability in Osun State, while cautioning him against stigmatising or victimising those who contested against him.
Adeleke defeated 14 other candidates in the election, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam.
The governor polled 511,067 votes to defeat Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes, while Salaam came third with 17,180 votes.
Adeleke won in 19 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured victory in 11.
The governor had thanked Tinubu for what he described as the president’s role in allowing a free and fair election in Osun.
Tinubu: ‘Don’t Stigmatise Your Opponents’
Tinubu also advised Adeleke against using the election campaign as a basis for victimising individuals who opposed him.
“You saw fear; you screamed. Promote democracy. Promote stability. Promote rule of law. Don’t stigmatise any of your opponents,” he said.
The president said democracy would only thrive when political actors accept election results and respect the rights of those on the opposing side.
Tinubu further warned Adeleke against making anyone a victim of his campaign, saying his responsibility was now to the entire people of Osun State and future generations.
“Don’t make a single individual a victim of your campaign. Don’t. Not for you alone. Not for the sake of us all alone. For the generations to come,” he said.
God Put You Where You Are -Tinubu
The president also reminded Adeleke that political power ultimately rests on the will of God and the people.
“Where you are today, God put you there. Not the smartness of any of these people,” Tinubu said.
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He added that the support of the electorate and their wishes were responsible for Adeleke’s victory.
Tinubu urged the governor to use his renewed mandate to deliver good governance and strengthen peace and democratic institutions in Osun.
“The people of Osun state pronounce their judgement on you: that they love you. They want you to govern. So, you’re going back to govern,” he said.
APC Rejects Election Outcome
Tinubu’s appeal comes amid continued rejection of the election result by the APC.
Oluwole Oke, director-general of the APC governorship campaign committee in Osun, said the party would not rush to congratulate Adeleke on his re-election.
Oke maintained that the party believed the Accord candidate did not secure the highest number of valid votes in the August 15 election.
Tinubu had earlier congratulated Adeleke, describing his re-election as an indication that democracy would continue to flourish under his administration.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.