Osun Poll: Residents Celebrate Adeleke’s Victory as Tinubu Congratulates Gov

Residents of Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Sunday trooped onto the streets to celebrate Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory in Saturday’s governorship election, following his declaration as winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, secured 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.

Shortly after INEC announced the result, residents and party supporters who had kept vigil around the commission’s office flooded the streets, singing, dancing and waving party flags in celebration.

Some supporters headed to Ede, the governor’s hometown, while others moved towards the Osogbo city centre, where they were joined by more residents celebrating the outcome.

The celebration came as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated Adeleke on his re-election, describing the outcome as a reflection of the people’s choice.

Reacting to the President’s congratulatory gesture, spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, commended Tinubu for what he described as his commitment to democratic principles.

Olajengbesi said the President had contacted Adeleke even before the final result was formally announced, describing the gesture as “the sign of a democrat.”

He said the people of Osun State had renewed Adeleke’s mandate because of his performance in office.

“The people of Osun State have renewed Mr Governor’s mandate, which shows that he has performed and has been rewarded. We are glad because Mr Governor has been very confident of the victory.”

Olajengbesi also commended the President for directing the relevant agencies to ensure that the election was conducted in accordance with the rules.

“We are also appreciative of Mr President for giving explicit instruction to INEC and the security agencies that the election must be free and fair,” he said.

However, he alleged that there were instances of intimidation and harassment during the election, adding that the process was not entirely free and fair.

“But Mr President has done very well to give explicit instruction that the election be conducted in line with the rules and regulations,” he added.

Declaring the result, the Returning Officer said:

“Adeleke Ademola of the Accord Party, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared winner and returned elected.”