Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, to accept the outcome of the governorship election and congratulate him on his victory.

Adeleke, the candidate of Accord Party, made the call shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him winner of Saturday’s election, describing his re-election as a triumph for democracy and a reward from the people of the state for the performance of his administration.

The governor expressed gratitude to God and the people of Osun for what he described as a successful electoral process, saying the result reflected voters’ appreciation of his administration’s interventions in infrastructure, healthcare, security and other sectors.

“I thank God Almighty for this victory. It’s a victory for democracy. Victory for Osun election,” Adeleke said.

He added that the outcome represented the people’s way of rewarding his administration for its achievements since assuming office.

“The victory is a way Osun people is repaying me for the infrastructural developments, health, security and other things I have delivered for my people,” he said.

Adeleke, who adopted a conciliatory tone after the declaration, said the election should not be viewed as a contest that produced winners and losers, stressing that the people’s mandate must be respected.

“It’s no victor, no vanquish. I am expecting for the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, to call me and congratulate me,” the governor said.

He also attributed his electoral victory to his faith in God, declaring, “I have a God who never fails.”

The governor further commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a successful election.

INEC declared Adeleke the winner after he secured 511,067 votes, defeating Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.

Adeleke won in 19 of Osun State’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji prevailed in 11, leaving the incumbent with a margin of 66,252 votes.

The result secures Adeleke another term in office and gives him a fresh mandate to continue his administration’s programmes across the state.