President Bola Tinubu personally called Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to congratulate him on winning the 2026 governorship election, according to Accord Party chieftain Pelumi Olajengbesi. Olajengbesi made the disclosure to journalists at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation centre in Osogbo on Saturday, August 16, shortly after INEC declared Adeleke the winner of the election, Tribune reports.
President's Call and Praise for Non-Interference
"The President congratulated Governor Adeleke last night," Olajengbesi said, adding that Tinubu deserved credit for honouring his promise to let the people of Osun choose their governor without federal interference. Olajengbesi praised Tinubu for not interfering in the electoral process, which he said was commendable and stood in contrast to concerns raised ahead of the election about possible federal meddling in the outcome.
The call came after a fiercely contested election in which the APC sought to reclaim Osun. Adeleke first won the governorship four years ago, and this latest victory further consolidates his grip on the state.
Election Results and Margin of Victory
Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who received 444,815 votes. The winning margin stood at 66,252 votes, securing Adeleke a second term as governor of the state. The result marks another term for the incumbent after a closely watched race.
The election featured 14 candidates on the ballot, with three major contenders: Adeleke of the Accord Party, Oyebamiji of the APC, and Najeem Salam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The contest was held on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Concerns Over Violence and Credibility
Despite his praise for the President, Olajengbesi stopped short of declaring the election wholly credible. He said the exercise could be described as credible but not entirely free and fair, pointing to violent incidents recorded in parts of the state both before and during voting. He nonetheless maintained that Tinubu's decision to stay out of the process was commendable.
Olajengbesi's remarks highlight lingering concerns about the electoral process, even as he acknowledged the President's role in allowing the people of Osun to decide their leader. The outcome stands as a significant political development in the state, with Adeleke's victory reinforcing his party's position in the region.
