“The People Have Spoken” — Aregbesola Congratulates Adeleke, Salutes ADC

Former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, saying the people of the state have spoken through the ballot and their decision must be respected.

Aregbesola, who is a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), also commended members of the party in Osun for what he described as their steadfastness, courage and commitment throughout the governorship campaign.

In a statement following Saturday’s governorship election, Aregbesola said, “I congratulate Senator Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as the Governor of Osun following the governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026.”

He said elections provided citizens with the opportunity to exercise their sovereign right to choose those they wanted to entrust with the responsibility of governing them.

“Now that the people of Osun have spoken through the ballot, their decision must be respected. I therefore extend my best wishes to Governor Adeleke as he prepares to commence another term in office,” he said.

Aregbesola, however, urged Adeleke to regard the victory as a renewed responsibility to unite the state, deepen development and govern fairly.

“The task before the governor is now greater than the contest that has just ended. I urge him to see the outcome as a renewed mandate to unite the state, deepen development and govern with fairness, humility and a strong sense of responsibility to every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation,” he said.

He also commended Osun voters for their participation in the democratic process and what he described as their “political sophistication,” while appealing to political actors, supporters and citizens to allow the state to move forward in peace and unity.

Turning to members of the ADC, Aregbesola said he was particularly proud of their conduct during the campaign.

“To the men and women of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun, I say: thank you.

“I am particularly proud of your steadfastness, courage and commitment throughout this journey. You stood firm, worked tirelessly and remained committed to the ideals that brought us together, even in the face of enormous political pressure and an intensely competitive electoral environment,” he praised.

Aregbesola specifically praised ADC members for standing behind the party’s governorship candidate, Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam, popularly known as Iwaloye.

“Most importantly, I salute you for standing solidly with our candidate, Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam (IWALOYE). Your loyalty to the candidate and the cause was demonstrated not merely in words, but also through months of sacrifice, mobilisation, advocacy and peaceful participation in the democratic process,” he said.

He also commended Salaam for the manner in which he conducted his campaign and received the outcome of the election.

According to him, “Dr. Salaam has conducted himself with dignity throughout this contest. His campaign represented our tradition and conviction that politics should be about ideas, competence, character and service to the people.”

Aregbesola said the ADC candidate also demonstrated maturity by placing the peace and unity of Osun above personal ambition.

He acknowledged that the election produced a different outcome from what the ADC had hoped for, but said the party’s commitment to the future of Osun should not end with the election.

“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,” he said.

He added that democracy was strengthened when political actors had the courage to compete vigorously, the humility to accept the people’s decision and the wisdom to continue contributing to society after elections.

Aregbesola urged ADC members, supporters, volunteers, campaigners, agents and well-wishers to remain proud of their efforts.

“To every ADC member, supporter, volunteer, campaigner, agent and well-wisher who contributed to our campaign, I ask you to hold your heads high. You gave your best for our candidate and for the Osun we believe is possible,” he hailed.

He also urged the party’s supporters to preserve the relationships forged during the campaign and continue to engage constructively with government while holding it accountable.

“Let us continue to engage constructively, speak for the people and hold government accountable while offering responsible alternatives wherever necessary,” he said.

Aregbesola further called on Adeleke to extend a hand of fellowship to political opponents and make his second term one of greater inclusion, reconciliation and service to all residents of the state.

“To the ADC family, let us remain united, disciplined and hopeful. Political journeys are often longer than individual electoral contests,” he said, adding that the values of “good governance, accountability, justice, competence and service to the people” remained worthy of continued commitment.

Aregbesola again congratulated Adeleke and wished him “wisdom, good health and success in the service of Osun, our dear State.”

He ended the message with his familiar declaration: “Power is responsibility.”