National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election, urging his opponents to sheathe their political swords and work with the governor for the peace and development of the state.
Dickson described Adeleke’s victory as a significant affirmation of the people’s democratic choice, saying the outcome demonstrated that Nigerians could still assert their will through the ballot despite the challenges confronting the country’s democratic process.
Adeleke, who contested under the Accord Party, polled 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes.
The governor won by a margin of 66,252 votes, securing 19 of Osun’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11.
In a congratulatory statement issued on Sunday, Dickson said the significance of the election extended beyond Adeleke and his supporters, describing it as a reaffirmation of the people’s power to determine who governs them.
He commended the people of Osun for standing by their democratic choice and urged political actors to respect the outcome and focus on the future of the state.
“I warmly congratulate the Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the Osun State Governorship Election.
“This victory is significant not only for Governor Adeleke and the people of Osun State, but also for our democracy. It is a powerful reminder that, even in an increasingly challenging political environment, the people can still assert their democratic will through the ballot.
“I commend the people of Osun State for standing firm in defence of their democratic choice and call on all those who contested the election and emerged on the losing side to join hands with the Governor in the spirit of sportsmanship and work for the peace and development of Osun State.”
Dickson said the end of the election should usher in a period of reconciliation, with political differences giving way to a collective commitment to improving the lives of Osun residents.
He urged Adeleke to regard his renewed mandate as a responsibility to unite the state and deepen good governance, while calling on his opponents to play a constructive role in the state’s development.
According to him, the ultimate measure of the election should not be the victory of one political camp over another, but the ability of all stakeholders to translate the electoral outcome into peace, stability and meaningful development for the people of Osun.