A former governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated Ademola Adeleke, who was re-elected on Saturday as governor for another four years. 

In a statement on Monday, Mr Aregbesola described Mr Adeleke’s victory as a proof of the state’s residents right and wish to vest the responsibility of governance on the incumbent governor.

“I congratulate Senator Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as the Governor of Osun following the governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026,” Mr Aregbesola stated.

“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,” he said.

The former governor urged Mr Adeleke to see the outcome of the election as a renewed mandate to unite the state, deepen development and govern with fairness, humility and a strong sense of responsibility.

Mr Aregbesola, who is also the national secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urged the re-elected governor “to extend the hand of fellowship to all and to make the next chapter of his administration one of greater inclusion, reconciliation and service to all.”

He also commended residents of the state for participating in the democratic process and appealed to political actors, supporters and citizens to embrace peace and unity.

The ADC chieftain said he was proud of his party members’ steadfastness, courage and commitment to the ideals of togetherness, despite enormous political pressure and competitive electoral environment.

“To every ADC member, supporter, volunteer, campaigner, agent and well-wisher who contributed to our campaign, I ask you to hold your heads high. You gave your best for our candidate and for the Osun we believe is possible,” he said.

The former minister of interior applauded Najeem Salaam, the ADC contestant in the governorship race, for conducting himself with dignity throughout the electioneering period.

Mr Aregbesola stated, “I salute you for standing solidly with our candidate, Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam (Iwaloye). Your loyalty to the candidate and the cause was demonstrated not merely in words, but also through months of sacrifice, mobilisation, advocacy and peaceful participation in the democratic process.”

“His campaign represented our tradition and conviction that politics should be about ideas, competence, character and service to the people. I commend him for the maturity with which he has received the outcome of the election and for putting the peace and unity of Osun above personal ambition,” he stated.