Osun State Governor and Accord Party candidate, Ademola Adeleke, has called on his closest challenger in the governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to accept his defeat and congratulate him.
Adeleke spoke after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him the winner of the election, saying his victory was a triumph for democracy and a reward from the people of Osun State for his administration’s achievements.
The governor thanked God and the people of the state for what he described as a successful electoral victory, attributing his re-election to his administration’s performance in infrastructure, healthcare, security and other sectors.
“I thank God Almighty for this victory. It’s a victory for democracy. Victory for Osun election,” Adeleke said.
He said the result was also an expression of appreciation by Osun residents for the projects and programmes delivered by his administration.
“The victory is a way Osun people is repaying me for the infrastructural developments, health, security and other things I have delivered for my people.”
Adopting a conciliatory tone after the election, Adeleke said there was no victor or vanquished, while expressing confidence that Oyebamiji would accept the outcome and congratulate him.
“It’s no victor, no vanquish. I am expecting for the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, to call me and congratulate me,” he said.
The governor also credited his victory to his faith in God, declaring: “I have a God who never fails.”
Adeleke further expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a successful election.
INEC declared Adeleke the winner after he secured 511,067 votes, defeating Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.
The incumbent won 19 of Osun’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured 11, leaving Adeleke with a winning margin of 66,252 votes.
