Former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, urging him to use the renewed mandate to unite the state and deepen development.

Aregbesola, in a statement yesterday, said the outcome should be respected as an expression of the people’s will, describing Osun residents as politically sophisticated.

“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.

“Now that the people of Osun have spoken through the ballot, their decision must be respected.”

He urged Adeleke 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.

The former governor also commended members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for their “steadfastness, courage and commitment” during the campaign, particularly their support for the party’s governorship candidate, Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam. “Most importantly, I salute you for standing solidly with our candidate, Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam (IWALOYE),” he said.

Aregbesola 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 urged ADC members to remain united and committed to the state, preserve the relationships built during the campaign, engage constructively with the government and offer responsible alternatives where necessary.

“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.

Aregbesola also urged Adeleke to extend “the hand of fellowship” to all political tendencies and make his second term one of greater inclusion, reconciliation and service. (The Nation)