INEC Officially Declares Adeleke Winner, Presents Certificate As Osun Election Hailed As Peaceful

The Independent National Electoral Commission has formally issued the Certificate of Return to Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke as the duly elected Governor of Osun State, following the governorship poll held on August 15, 2026.

The formal presentation took place in Osogbo, with top officials of the commission in attendance, including the National Commissioner supervising Osun State, Professor Kunle Ajayi, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, and the Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Adedolapo Ojo.

The ceremony drew a wide spectrum of dignitaries, among them the Deputy Governor-elect, Prince Kola Adewusi, the First Lady, members of the State Executive Council, National Assembly lawmakers, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, and the Secretary to the State Government.

Addressing the gathering, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, described the event as a vital constitutional duty rather than a mere formality, underscoring its significance in the democratic life of the state.

She noted that the presentation was carried out strictly in line with Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires the commission to hand over the certificate to the candidate who emerges victorious at the polls.

Babalola emphasised that the gesture represented an official endorsement of the sovereign will of Osun voters, who freely expressed their choice through the ballot box.

She said, “Election remains the most visible expression of democratic governance. It provides citizens with the opportunity to confer legitimacy, renew public trust and determine the direction of government through constitutional means.”

The REC was quick to acknowledge that the successful outcome of the election was not the work of INEC alone, but a product of collaboration among political parties, candidates, security agencies, civil society groups, the media, traditional rulers, religious leaders and the electorate themselves.

She praised the political class for their willingness to test their popularity before the people, interpreting that as a strong sign of their loyalty to constitutional democracy.

Babalola also reserved special praise for the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, applauding their efforts in guaranteeing a stable and secure environment throughout the electoral period.

She revealed that roughly ten security outfits operated in unison to create a safe atmosphere for voters, adding that their joint action enabled citizens to cast their ballots without hindrance or fear.

Babalola said, “Your coordinated efforts before, during and after the election provided the needed security environment necessary for citizens to exercise their franchise freely and peacefully.”

She went further to salute the security forces for protecting both the electoral machinery and the people of Osun, noting that their commitment was instrumental to the overall success recorded.

She also commended the civil society organisations and observer groups present, pointing out that their oversight boosted public confidence, reinforced electoral credibility and advanced the cause of democracy.

The REC closed her remarks by congratulating Senator Adeleke on his triumph and extending gratitude to all participating parties and candidates for their sportsmanship.

She reiterated INEC’s appreciation to every stakeholder whose input helped ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible election.

The ceremony also paid tribute to the contributions of various state agencies, including the Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Federal Fire Service, alongside other members of the security and election management community.

Also honoured were the Deputy Governor-elect, Prince Kola Adewusi, members of the state cabinet, legislators, party representatives, civil society delegates and media professionals who covered the process.