Aregbesola also urged Adeleke to extend “the hand of fellowship” to all political tendencies and make his second term an inclusive one.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The National Secretary (interim) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election.
He felicitated with the Accord Party chieftain and incumbent governor of the state in a statement issued on Monday.
While describing the Osun electorate as politically sophisticated, Aregbesola urged that the outcome of the off-cycle election be respected by all as an expression of the will of the state’s people.
He further advised Governor Adeleke to use his renewed mandate to unite the people of the south-western state and deepen its development.
He said, “I congratulate Senator Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as the Governor of Osun following the governorship election held on Saturday, 15 August 2026. Now that the people of Osun have spoken through the ballot, their decision must be respected.”
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Aregbesola went on to admonish the governor to govern with fairness, humility, and responsibility towards all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, while calling on political actors and residents to allow the state to move forward in peace and unity.
Addressing members of his party, the ADC chieftain commended them for their “steadfastness, courage, and commitment” during the campaign.
Aregbesola continued, “Most importantly, I salute you for standing solidly with our candidate, Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam (IWALOYE).”
He also praised Salaam for conducting his campaign with dignity and accepting the election outcome with maturity, saying the candidate placed the peace and unity of Osun above personal ambition.
He noted, “This electoral journey may have produced a different outcome from what we hoped and worked for, but our commitment to the future of Osun must not end with an election.”
