Tinubu Congratulates Adeleke, Says Osun Victory Affirms Nigeria’s Democracy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, describing the outcome of the August 15 governorship election as a further assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in Nigeria.

President Tinubu said he personally called Adeleke on Sunday to congratulate him on his victory and expressed confidence that the governor would provide effective leadership during his second term.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said Adeleke’s victory reaffirmed the confidence placed in him by the people of Osun State.

Tinubu urged the re-elected governor to use his second term to unite the people of the state irrespective of how they voted during the election.

He charged Adeleke to rally Osun residents around the goals of development, stability and social and economic progress.

“I wish him great success as he prepares to lead the state for the next four years,” the President said.

Tinubu also commended other candidates who contested the election, saying their participation contributed to Nigeria’s democratic development.

According to the President, the outcome of the election reflected the wishes of the electorate and demonstrated the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic system.

“The outcome of the election reflects the will of the people and is a fitting assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in our land,” Tinubu said.

The President further praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for what he described as the peaceful and transparent conduct of the election.

Adeleke, who contested under the Accord platform, was declared winner of the election after defeating his closest challenger, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Oyebamiji. The governor subsequently disclosed that President Tinubu had personally called to congratulate him after the result was announced.

Tinubu’s congratulatory message comes amid intense political debate over the significance of the Osun election ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition groups already presenting Adeleke’s victory as a possible indication of the strength of political alliances and voter mobilisation.

For the President, however, the immediate priority is for the governor to move beyond the electoral contest and unite the people of Osun State around governance and development.

The statement was signed by Bayo Onanuga on behalf of the Presidency and dated August 16, 2026.