Former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has felicitated Governor Ademola Adeleke following his victory in the August 15, 2026 governorship election, urging the governor to make effective use of his fresh mandate to promote unity, peace and further progress across the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Aregbesola acknowledged the result of the election and called on all residents and political stakeholders to accept the outcome as the verdict delivered by the electorate. He described the people of Osun as politically conscious citizens whose choice at the polls should be recognised and respected.
Aregbesola said Adeleke’s victory had given him another opportunity to provide leadership for the people of the state and encouraged him to approach his second term with fairness, maturity and a strong sense of responsibility.
He appealed to the governor to ensure that his administration treats every resident equally, regardless of political party, ideology or affiliation. According to him, the governor should use the renewed mandate as an opportunity to bring together individuals and groups across the political divide and create an atmosphere conducive to peace and development.
The former governor equally appealed to political leaders and ordinary citizens to put the election behind them and concentrate on the collective interests of Osun State. He maintained that the state could only achieve meaningful progress when political disagreements did not prevent stakeholders from working together.
Aregbesola also praised members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the dedication and determination they demonstrated throughout the election campaign. He particularly acknowledged their efforts in backing the party’s governorship candidate, Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam, popularly known as Iwaloye.
According to him, ADC members showed considerable commitment to their candidate and remained steadfast despite the challenges encountered during the electoral process. He commended them for standing firmly behind Salaam and contributing to the party’s campaign across the state.
Aregbesola further described Salaam’s conduct during and after the election as commendable. He said the candidate maintained dignity throughout the campaign and demonstrated political maturity by accepting the eventual result.
The former governor noted that Salaam’s response reflected a willingness to place the broader interests of Osun above individual political ambitions. He therefore urged members of the ADC not to allow the election result to weaken their unity or discourage them from remaining involved in the political and developmental affairs of the state.
He encouraged party members to maintain the bonds established during the campaign and continue engaging the government through constructive criticism, useful ideas and alternative policies whenever necessary.
Aregbesola stressed that political participation should continue beyond election periods, noting that the future of Osun requires sustained commitment from all stakeholders.
He also called on Adeleke to reach out to members of other political parties and tendencies, regardless of their positions during the election. He urged the governor to make inclusiveness, reconciliation and effective public service key priorities throughout his second tenure.
Aregbesola maintained that although the election produced a result different from what his political camp had anticipated, the responsibility of contributing to the advancement of Osun remains a shared duty.
He therefore urged Adeleke, opposition groups and residents to work toward building a more united, peaceful and prosperous state.
