*Kwankwaso, Makinde React, Praise Osun People For Ensuring Vote Integrity, Say It’s A Template For 2027
Despite poll violence, malfunctioning election equipment in some parts and security threats, results of yesterday’s Osun State governorship have been rolled out with the electoral umpire declaring second term-seeking Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party victor in the hotly contested poll.
The declaration of the result was made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer, Prof Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, who is also the Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, this morning.
Adeleke won the election after polling 511,067 votes against his opponent, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who polled 444,815 votes.
Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) scored 17,180 votes, coming third on the ballot.
With the victory, Adeleke wins the mandate of the Osun electorate for a second term.
Fifteen political parties contested in the election.
Initial Reactions: Kwankwaso, Makinde Speak
Former Kano State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, reacting to the Osun results, described Adeleke’s victory as a reflection of the power of citizens’ commitment to democracy.
Kwankwaso stated this on his official Facebook page.
He said the outcome demonstrated that the people’s will must prevail when citizens remain committed to their civic responsibilities and make their voices heard.
He explained that citizens’ voices can only be heard when they exercise their civic rights during elections.
On his part, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, congratulated Adeleke on his re-election, describing the outcome of the poll as a victory for democracy and the people.
Makinde, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said Adeleke’s victory reflected public recognition of his administration’s commitment to good governance and service delivery.
He also praised the people of Osun State for participating in the election and exercising their right to vote despite the challenges associated with the electoral process.
According to the governor, the outcome once again affirmed the central role of citizens in determining who governs them in a democratic system.
Makinde urged Adeleke to regard his re-election as a renewed mandate and an opportunity to intensify efforts to improve the lives of residents and accelerate development across the state.
The Oyo governor also commended INEC for its handling of the election.
He described the poll as an important test ahead of the 2027 general elections and urged the electoral commission to sustain public confidence by ensuring future elections are credible, transparent and peaceful.
Makinde said Nigerians expect INEC to build on the lessons from the Osun election and deliver an electoral process that would meet the aspirations of citizens in 2027.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Adeleke.
