The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the Osun State governorship election held on Saturday. Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat the incumbent governor, Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who received 450,789 votes.
Election Results and Margin
The returning officer, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, announced the results at the INEC state collation centre in Osogbo. Adeleke won in 17 local government areas, while Oyetola secured victory in 13 local government areas. The margin of victory was 60,278 votes.
According to INEC, the total number of registered voters in the state was 1,955,657, and the total valid votes cast were 1,102,793. The number of rejected ballots was 22,891, bringing the total votes cast to 1,125,684.
Reactions and Concession
Governor Oyetola, in a statement, congratulated Adeleke on his victory, saying, "I have just received the results of the Osun State governorship election from INEC. I congratulate Senator Ademola Adeleke on his victory. The will of the people has been expressed and I respect it." He also urged his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
Adeleke, in his acceptance speech, promised to unite the state and focus on development. He said, "I am deeply humbled by the trust the people of Osun State have placed in me. I will be a governor for all, irrespective of political affiliation. We will work together to bring prosperity to our state."
Security and Observers
The election was generally peaceful, with security agencies deployed across the state. Local and international observers monitored the process. The INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, commended the conduct of the election, noting that it was largely free and fair.
Adeleke is expected to be sworn in as the next governor of Osun State, succeeding Oyetola, whose tenure ends in November. The PDP candidate's victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the state, which had been under APC control since 2010.
