Tinubu Extends Olive Branch to Adeleke Before Official Osun Election Result

In a remarkable display of commitment to a free and fair electoral process, President Bola Tinubu has been commended for his role in the Osun State governorship election. The election, which took place on August 15, was marked by intense campaigning and allegations of violence between the ruling Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite these challenges, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Ademola Adeleke the winner of the election, with 511,067 votes to his closest challenger's 444,815 votes. The Imole Campaign Council spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, praised President Tinubu for his dedication to ensuring the election was credible, free, and fair. Notably, Tinubu had called Adeleke to congratulate him on his victory before the official announcement by INEC. This move has been seen as a significant step towards promoting a peaceful and democratic transition of power. Olajengbesi stated that the President's actions demonstrated his commitment to the democratic process, saying, 'We are also appreciative of Mr President because, at the commencement of this election, Mr President announced to the world and informed the Independent National Electoral Commission that the poll should be credible, and we agree that the election was credible, free and fair.' The campaign council had previously petitioned the British High Commission and the Inspector-General of Police over alleged security concerns, calling for the election to be free, fair, and credible. The election result marked Adeleke's return for a second term, having secured the Accord Party ticket after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has urged INEC, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate reported cases of vote-buying and other electoral infractions linked to the election.