#OsunDecides2026: Adeleke Thanks Tinubu for Support, Anticipates Oyebamiji's Congratulatory Call

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his involvement in the August 15 gubernatorial election. He also stated his expectation that his primary opponent, Bola Oyebamiji, would reach out to offer congratulations. These remarks were made by Governor Adeleke in a video shared by News Central on Sunday, following his official declaration as the election winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

When questioned about extending an olive branch to other candidates, Adeleke emphasized that the election outcome represented "no victor, no vanquished." He further elaborated, stating, "Yes. This is no victor, no vanquished. I want them to come over. I am expecting Oyebamiji to even, as a civilised person, to call me and congratulate me."

The governor also acknowledged and thanked President Tinubu, revealing that the President had personally called to congratulate him on his electoral success. Adeleke remarked, "And of course, I want to seize this opportunity to thank Mr. President. Mr. President has called me and he has congratulated me. And I thank you, Mr. President, for making sure democracy lives on, because you fought for it, Mr. President."

The official declaration of Adeleke as the election victor occurred around 7:24 am on Sunday. This announcement was made by the State Returning Officer, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, who is also the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti. The Accord Party candidate, Adeleke, secured a total of 511,067 votes, surpassing Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 444,815 votes. Furthermore, Adeleke claimed victory in 19 out of the 30 local government areas in the state, while Oyebamiji won 11. Najeem Salam, the candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), finished in third place with 17,180 votes.

This electoral triumph ensures Adeleke a second term as the state's chief executive. He was initially elected governor in 2022 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner, before switching to the Accord Party for this 2026 election.

When asked if he had any apprehension about the possibility of his victory not materializing, Governor Adeleke attributed his unwavering confidence to his strong faith. He declared, "No, no, no. You know, I have an answer to that. I have a God who never fails. I have a God who never fails. I have a God who never fails. He never fails. Jesus never fails forevermore."