Osun Poll: Your Strides Paid Off, NGF Hails Adeleke’s Re-election

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election, saying his performance and connection with voters contributed to his victory.

In a statement signed by its Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Sunday, the Forum also commended Osun residents for their participation and praised all candidates who contested the governorship election.

The NGF described the election as another demonstration of the resilience of Nigeria’s democracy, while recognising the role of opposition parties in strengthening the democratic process.

“The NGF acknowledges the strides and personality of the governor, which readily paid off at the keenly contested election,” the Forum said.

It congratulated Adeleke and expressed confidence that he would consolidate the achievements recorded during his first term.

“We are confident that His Excellency, Ademola Adeleke, will continue to build on the successes of his first term in the overall interest of the people of Osun State,” the Forum said.

Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, secured a second term in the August 15 governorship election after defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

The poll attracted significant attention as one of the major off-cycle elections ahead of the 2027 general elections and was closely monitored by political parties, civil society organisations and election observers.

The governors also praised Osun voters, saying their turnout demonstrated continued public interest in Nigeria’s democratic process.

“The Forum similarly commends the people of the state for the large turnout during the election,” the statement said.

The NGF also commended opposition candidates for their participation and contribution to the electoral process.

It further praised security agencies for containing violence recorded in the days leading to the election and creating conditions that allowed voting to proceed.

The Forum said the security agencies’ intervention helped prevent the earlier incidents of violence from disrupting the election.

The governors also singled out President Bola Tinubu for what they described as a statesmanlike role during the election.

According to the NGF, Tinubu successfully balanced his position as leader of the ruling APC with his constitutional responsibility as President and leader of the country.

The Forum said the President’s conduct demonstrated the importance of protecting democratic institutions and allowing the electoral process to reflect the choice of voters.

Adeleke’s re-election has continued to attract congratulatory messages from political leaders and groups, with several stakeholders describing the outcome as significant ahead of the 2027 elections.