Former Minister of Interior and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, urging him to use his renewed mandate to unite the state and govern all residents fairly.

Aregbesola, in a statement issued on Monday, said the outcome of the August 15 governorship election reflected the choice of the people and should be respected by all political actors.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, winner after he polled 511,067 votes.

His closest challenger, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, scored 444,815 votes, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Folasayo Salaam, finished third with 17,180 votes.

Reacting to the result, Aregbesola said, “I congratulate Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as the Governor of Osun following the governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026.”

He added, “Now that the people of Osun have spoken through the ballot, their decision must be respected. I therefore extend my best wishes to Governor Adeleke as he prepares to commence another term in office.”

Aregbesola, who is the national secretary of the ADC, said Adeleke’s responsibility after the election was greater than the contest itself, urging him to regard the result as a mandate to govern beyond partisan interests.

“The task before the governor is now greater than the contest that has just ended. 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,” he said.

He also appealed to political parties, candidates, supporters and residents to accept the outcome and allow the state to move forward in peace.

“I must also appeal to all political actors, supporters and citizens to allow the state to move forward in peace and unity,” Aregbesola stated.

The former governor further commended members of the ADC for their commitment to the party and Salaam during the campaign, despite what he described as intense political pressure.

“I am particularly proud of your steadfastness, courage and commitment throughout this journey. You stood firm, worked tirelessly and remained committed to the ideals that brought us together, even in the face of enormous political pressure and an intensely competitive electoral environment,” he said.

Aregbesola also praised Salaam’s conduct during the election, describing his campaign as a reflection of the ADC’s emphasis on ideas, competence, character and public service.

“Dr. Salaam has conducted himself with dignity throughout this contest. His campaign represented our tradition and conviction that politics should be about ideas, competence, character and service to the people,” he said.

The ADC national secretary urged Adeleke to reach out to his political opponents and make his second term one defined by reconciliation, inclusion and service.

“I urge Governor Adeleke 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,” Aregbesola said.

He also called on ADC members to remain united and committed to the principles of good governance, accountability, justice, competence and service, stressing that political engagement extends beyond individual electoral contest.