President Bola Tinubu has urged Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to use his re-election victory to promote unity, reconciliation and stability, rather than target or stigmatise his political opponents.
Tinubu spoke on Thursday when Adeleke visited the State House to thank the President and present his certificate of return following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.
Adeleke defeated 14 other candidates, polling 511,067 votes against APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji’s 444,815 votes. He won in 19 of the state’s 30 LGAs, while Oyebamiji won 11.
Tinubu reminded Adeleke that winning an election was not a conquest over opponents but a mandate entrusted to him by the people.
“You did not conquer anybody. You won the election. That is the essence of democracy.”
Tinubu Urges Reconciliation
The President urged Adeleke to reach out to those who opposed him and avoid any form of victimisation, saying reconciliation should be a major focus of his administration.
“Promote democracy. Promote stability. Promote rule of law. Don’t stigmatise any of your opponents.”
Tinubu said Adeleke now has an opportunity to strengthen peace and democratic stability in Osun by governing for the benefit of all residents, regardless of how they voted.
He also reminded the governor that political office ultimately comes through the will of God and the people.
“Where you are today, God put you there.”
Tinubu commended Adeleke and his campaign team for their mobilisation during the election but cautioned the governor against making anyone a victim of the campaign.
“Don’t make a single individual a victim of your campaign.”
‘Govern for All’
The President said Adeleke should focus on delivering good governance rather than celebrating the victory alone, noting that the people of Osun had given him the mandate to govern.
He urged the governor to build bridges across political divides and strengthen democratic institutions.
“The people of Osun State pronounce their judgement on you: that they love you. They want you to govern. So, you’re going back to govern.”
The development comes days after Tinubu congratulated Adeleke on his re-election, describing the outcome as an assurance that democracy would continue to flourish.
However, the APC has rejected the election result and said it would not hurriedly congratulate Adeleke, maintaining that the Accord candidate did not secure the highest number of valid votes.
