Former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has publicly congratulated Senator Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as governor of Osun State following the governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026. In a statement personally signed by Aregbesola and addressed to the people of Osun, ADC members, and all political actors, he acknowledged the outcome of the election and called for unity across the state.
“I congratulate Senator Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as the Governor of Osun following the governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026,” Aregbesola wrote. “Now that the people of Osun have spoken through the ballot, their decision must be respected.”
Aregbesola’s Message to Adeleke
The former governor did not limit his remarks to congratulations. He urged Adeleke to treat his re-election as a mandate to bring the state together rather than a personal victory, saying the task ahead was greater than the contest itself.
“I urge him to see the outcome as a renewed mandate to unite the state, deepen development and govern with fairness, humility and a strong sense of responsibility to every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation,” Aregbesola said.
Aregbesola also appealed directly to Adeleke to reach across political lines, asking him to “extend the hand of fellowship to all political tendencies and to make the next chapter of his administration one of greater inclusion, reconciliation and service to all.”
Salute to ADC Members and Candidate
Aregbesola reserved particular praise for members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun, who backed Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam, also known as Iwaloye, as their candidate in the election. He commended Dr Salaam for accepting the result with maturity and placing the peace of Osun above personal ambition, describing his campaign as one built on “ideas, competence, character and service to the people.”
Aregbesola urged ADC supporters not to be discouraged, saying democracy grew stronger when political actors competed with vigour, accepted results with humility, and continued to engage constructively after elections.
He closed the statement with a reminder that political journeys extended well beyond single elections, and that the values underpinning the ADC’s campaign, including accountability, justice, and competence, remained worth pursuing. He signed off with the phrase: “Power is responsibility.”
His full statement was shared on X, and he called on all stakeholders to support Adeleke’s administration for the benefit of Osun State.
