Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu called and congratulated him shortly after he was declared the winner of the August 15 governorship election.
Adeleke made the disclosure while speaking to journalists on Sunday after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concluded the process. He thanked President Tinubu for the gesture, noting that the president had contributed to the sustenance of democracy.
“I feel great. First of all, I thank the God Almighty for what has happened today. It’s a victory for democracy in Nigeria,” Adeleke said. “And, of course, I want to seize the opportunity to thank Mr President. Mr President has called me, and he has congratulated me, and I thank you, Mr President, for making sure democracy lives on because you fought for it, Mr President.”
President Tinubu and Governor Adeleke have maintained a pragmatic, cordial relationship despite belonging to rival political parties, engaging in high-profile visits and official interactions.
Victory For Osun People, Olive Branch
Speaking further, Adeleke stated that the result represented an endorsement by the people of Osun of his administration’s performance in office.
“A victory for democracy. A victory for Osun people that stood by me and said, Imole, you have done a lot for us. You have given us the dividends of democracy in terms of infrastructure, improving our education, agriculture and so forth. So this is the Osun people saying, ‘Thank you, Mr Governor,’” he said.
The governor said his administration’s focus moving forward would be on transforming Osun from a civil service-dependent state into an industrial hub.
“I will repay that thank you by making sure that I have a vision. My vision is to make sure that Osun State moves from a civil servant state to an industrial state. I will make sure, all across Osun State, development is on. I love you all, Osun State,” Adeleke added.
Adeleke also extended an olive branch to his political opponents, describing the contest as one without a victor or vanquished.
“Yes, this is no victor, no vanquished. I want them to come over. I’m expecting Oyebanji, even as a civilised person, to call me and congratulate me,” he said. Asked whether he had ever feared that the outcome could go against him, Adeleke replied: “No. I have a God. I have a God who never fails.”
Opposition Leaders, Davido Celebrate
Following the announcement, prominent political figures and relatives offered congratulatory messages on social media.
Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi both issued statements on X praising the electors of Osun State for their civic participation and wishing Governor Adeleke success in his continued governance.
Additionally, Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, celebrated his uncle’s victory shortly after the declaration. Davido, who participated in campaign rallies and served as Chairman of the Imole Youth Mobilisation Campaign Council, posted “WE DID IT UNC!!!” on X, sparking street celebrations among supporters in Osogbo and Ede.
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