Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, state governors and other political leaders and groups have congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election, while commending voters for defending their mandate.

The reactions followed the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission of Adeleke, candidate of the Accord, as the winner of the keenly contested August 15, 2026, governorship election.

Adeleke defeated the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and secured another four-year term after winning 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas.

According to the final result declared by INEC, Adeleke polled 511,067 votes, while Oyebamiji scored 444,815 votes, giving the governor a winning margin of 66,252 votes.

The African Democratic Congress candidate and former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, finished third with 17,180 votes.

The result represents a significant increase in Adeleke’s electoral margin compared with the 2022 governorship election, when he defeated the then-incumbent APC governor, Gboyega Oyetola, by 28,344 votes after scoring 403,371 votes against Oyetola’s 375,027.

The 2026 election also marked a major political shift for Adeleke, who was elected governor in 2022 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party but contested his re-election on the Accord platform.

Reacting to the outcome, Atiku, in a statement issued by his media office on Sunday, said Adeleke’s victory reflected the wishes of the people of Osun State, whom he commended for turning out in large numbers despite what he described as attempts to undermine the democratic process.

“The outcome of last Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Osun State is an expression of the wishes of the people, which has earned Governor Adeleke his re-election,” Atiku said.

He said the election demonstrated that voters could protect their ballots by remaining vigilant and participating actively in the electoral process.

“The lesson from the election is that the voters in Osun State have set a good example of how we must come out in large numbers in the general elections next year.

“Another important lesson from the Osun election is that it is a clear manifestation of how the collective resolve of the electorate to stand firm to protect their ballot is the best antidote to rigging, vote buying and other electoral malpractice and irregularities,” he said.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the 2027 election, also used the outcome to launch a fresh attack on the ruling APC, arguing that the election exposed what he described as growing dissatisfaction with the President Bola Tinubu administration.

He alleged that the heavy presence of security personnel during the election was intended to intimidate voters but said the electorate nevertheless resisted attempts to influence the outcome.

“Nigerians have roundly rejected the APC. The election in Osun State is just a telling indication that the APC will be defeated in the general election in January 2027. Indeed, it is a forerunner of the 2027 General elections,” Atiku said.

He commended Adeleke for his role in mobilising the people to defend their votes and urged the governor to use his renewed mandate to deepen good governance in the state.

Obi, in his message posted on his X account titled, “Osun: When the people stand, democracy wins,” described Adeleke’s re-election as a significant demonstration of the people’s power.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate said the people of Osun had spoken with “courage and clarity,” while crediting Adeleke’s performance in office for the renewed confidence expressed through the ballot.

“Through his commitment to the people, compassion for their needs, and the strength of his work and achievements in office, Governor Adeleke has earned their renewed confidence and been entrusted once again with their mandate,” Obi said.

He particularly praised young voters in the state for what he described as the peaceful defence of their democratic mandate.

“I particularly commend the courageous youths of Osun who rose to the occasion and peacefully defended their democratic mandate,” he said.

According to Obi, the Osun election demonstrated that democracy becomes stronger when citizens remain conscious of their civic responsibilities and insist that their votes count.

“The lesson from Osun is clear: democracy is strongest when citizens are alert, conscious of their civic responsibility, and determined to ensure that their votes count. Every genuine vote must be respected, and every lawful mandate must be protected,” he said.

Obi also linked the Osun experience to the 2027 general elections, urging Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process and protect their votes.

“This is also a clarion call as we approach 2027. Nigerians must remain informed, participate actively, vote, and protect their votes,” he maintained.

Obi further urged political actors to place national interest above partisan considerations, insisting that elections should be contests of ideas and competence rather than occasions for violence.

“Elections should never be battles of violence, but contests of ideas, competence, character, and service,” he said.

Kwankwaso, who is the vice presidential candidate of the NDC, in a statement posted on his verified X account on Sunday, described Adeleke as his friend and congratulated him on winning the election as the candidate of the Accord.

“As a leader of the opposition and a committed democrat, I commend the people of Osun State for exercising their democratic rights and reaffirming the power of the people’s mandate,” Kwankwaso said.

He said the outcome demonstrated the importance of citizens participating actively in the democratic process and making their voices heard.

“This victory is a reminder that when citizens remain committed to their civic responsibilities and make their voices heard, the people’s will must prevail,” he stated.

Kwankwaso also commended INEC for the conduct of the election and urged the commission and other stakeholders to continue upholding the principles of credible, peaceful and transparent elections.

“I also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission for the conduct of the election and encourage all stakeholders to continue to uphold the principles of credible, peaceful and transparent elections,” he said.

The former governor congratulated Adeleke and the people of Osun State on the outcome of the poll.

Govs congratulate Adeleke

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum congratulated Adeleke, saying the outcome of the election reflected the strides he made and the confidence placed in him by the electorate.

In a statement signed by its Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Sunday, the forum also commended the people of Osun State for their turnout and all candidates who participated in the keenly contested election.

The NGF described the poll as another demonstration of the resilience of Nigeria’s democracy, while acknowledging the important role played by opposition parties in strengthening the country’s democratic process.

“The NGF acknowledges the strides and personality of the governor, which readily paid off at the keenly contested election,” the forum said.

It congratulated Adeleke on his victory and expressed confidence that he would build on the achievements of his first term during his second tenure.

“We are confident that His Excellency Ademola Adeleke will continue to build on the successes of his first term in the overall interest of the people of Osun State,” it said.

The NGF said the level of voter participation demonstrated the continued interest of Nigerians in the democratic process.

“The forum similarly commends the people of the state for the large turnout during the election. We believe that the interest that the off-cycle ballot generated again confirms the resilience of Nigerian democracy.

“The forum acknowledges the incredibly important role that opposition parties also play in shaping our democracy, and we commend all the candidates for their efforts,” the statement read.

The NGF further praised security agencies for their handling of the election, saying their intervention helped prevent the violence recorded in the days preceding the poll from disrupting the exercise.

It singled out President Tinubu for what it described as a statesmanlike role during the election.

According to the governors, Tinubu successfully balanced his position as leader of the ruling APC with his responsibility as president and father of the nation.

The forum said it looked forward to Adeleke’s second term and expressed confidence that his administration would continue to advance the development of Osun State.

In their individual statements, some state governors also congratulated Adeleke on his re-election.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, described the outcome of the election as a reflection of the wishes of the majority of Osun voters.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, made available in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, he hailed Adeleke’s emergence as the winner of the keenly contested election.

The Ekiti governor said, “This is democracy, and the majority of Osun voters have expressed their preference for the re-election of Governor Adeleke.

“Congratulations to Governor Adeleke on the electoral victory. I urge him to be magnanimous in victory and carry other contestants along in the task of building a more prosperous Osun State.”

Oyebanji praised Tinubu “for providing a level-playing field for all the contestants in the Osun election, a development that led to a significant reduction in tension and made the contest a fair one.”

He also congratulated the APC candidate, Oyebamiji, “for being a worthy challenger in the contest.”

Oyebanji applauded Osun APC members for putting up a strong fight and urged them to behave as worthy opponents by going back to the drawing board to map out plans for future elections.

He also commended INEC and the security agencies for their roles in the conduct of the poll.

“We must specially appreciate our dear President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for providing a level playing field for all the contestants. This singular act of the President reduced tension and made the contest a credible one.

“The outcome of the Osun governorship election should not be misinterpreted as a true reflection of Osun people about President Bola Tinubu. Certainly not. The people of Osun will massively vote for President Tinubu come January 2027,” Oyebanji added.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, congratulated Adeleke and the people of Osun State on what he described as the peaceful and successful conduct of the election.

In a statement he signed on Sunday, Otti said, “The orderly manner in which Osun people came out to exercise their franchise, and the peaceful conduct before, during and after the election, despite some observed irregularities, is a testament to the maturity of our democracy and the commitment of citizens to peaceful coexistence.”

He commended INEC for its professionalism, the security agencies for ensuring a safe environment, and other stakeholders who worked to make the process credible and transparent.

“This successful exercise further strengthens democratic governance in our country and reinforces the voice of the people in choosing their leaders.

“As you start your second tenure in office, I encourage you to remain focused on delivering people-centred governance that improves the lives of Osun people, expands opportunities, and sustains peace and development across the state.

“As an Abia grandson, we stand with you and your state in the shared vision of building stronger institutions and delivering the dividends of democracy to our people,” Otti said.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, described Adeleke’s victory as one for democracy and the people of the state.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, he congratulated Adeleke for reaping the reward of his commitment to serving the people through his achievements and delivery of good governance.

Makinde commended the people for demonstrating where political power lies by voting with determination and courage despite the reported violence and display of federal might.

He urged Adeleke to see his re-election as an encouragement to deliver more development to the state.

The governor also commended INEC for the smooth conduct of the election, describing the off-cycle poll as a litmus test for the 2027 general election and urging the commission not to let Nigerians down.

Makinde said, “I congratulate my brother and Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, on his re-election for another term.

“This victory is a reward for his hard work and the delivery of good governance, and, as they say, the reward for hard work is more work.

“The results of the election proved again that the people reserve the absolute power in a democracy and that their movement will always triumph over all other considerations.

“I also commend the teeming people of Osun State for their courage to vote for their choice despite the sheer use of federal institutions and powers to suppress and subvert their will.

“I did point out in my last newsletter that the rule of law must be allowed to prevail over the rule of politics. The voters in Osun State have taught politicians a lesson that the rule of the people and their willpower will always out-muscle the rule of politics.

“When politicians resort to all sorts of underhand tactics and enter a win-at-all-cost mode, not minding the survival of democracy or the rule of law, then the people will put them in check.

“Let me also commend INEC for the smoothness of the process. The Osun State governorship election is a litmus test for the 2027 general election, an election in which Nigerians expect so much from INEC, and it must not let them down.”

Natasha praises Tinubu, Adeleke

The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, also congratulated Adeleke, describing his victory as a triumph of democracy and the will of the people.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a statement issued by her media aide, Mike Idoko, also commended President Tinubu for “allowing the people of Osun State to freely choose their governor” despite the intense political interests surrounding the election.

She said the result demonstrated that political power ultimately belonged to the electorate and could not be permanently secured through political influence, intimidation or the deployment of political machinery.

She said, “The people of Osun State have spoken loudly and unmistakably. They stood firm, defended their votes and demonstrated that democracy belongs to the people.

“No amount of political machinery, intimidation or pressure can permanently silence the voice of the electorate.”

The senator said Adeleke’s victory should be viewed beyond partisan politics, arguing that the election represented another important test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience.

She said, “What we witnessed in Osun is a powerful reminder that the ballot remains the strongest weapon of the ordinary citizen in a democracy.

“When the people are determined to protect their mandate, political calculations and structures cannot substitute for genuine popular support.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan also commended Tinubu for what she described as his decision not to interfere with the choice of Osun voters.

She said, “President Bola Tinubu deserves commendation for allowing democracy to take its course in Osun State. Despite the enormous political interests and pressures surrounding the election, the people were allowed to exercise their constitutional right to choose their leader.”

Afenifere celebrates victory

The pan-Yoruba socio-political association, Afenifere, congratulated Adeleke on his victory in the just-concluded governorship election in the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Organising Secretary, Kole Omololu, the association also commended the Osun electorate for trooping out to exercise their civic responsibility.

The statement read, “Afenifere warmly congratulates Governor Ademola Adeleke and felicitates with the good people of Osun State for their steadfast commitment to democracy and the peaceful exercise of their franchise.

“The election has reaffirmed a cardinal democratic principle: sovereignty ultimately resides with the people. Their verdict must therefore be respected without equivocation, and their mandate regarded as sacrosanct.

“Afenifere urges Governor Adeleke to receive this renewed confidence with humility and an abiding sense of responsibility. The mandate is not a political trophy, but a solemn covenant with the entire people of Osun State.”

The association charged the governor to govern with fairness, inclusiveness and fidelity to the public good, “transcending partisan considerations in the larger interest of the state.”

It also commended Tinubu for the statesmanship he demonstrated by calling the governor to congratulate him before the formal declaration of the result by INEC.

“This gesture is especially commendable because the candidate of the President’s own political party was defeated.

“At a time when electoral contests can degenerate into rancour and recrimination, the President’s action constitutes a refreshing manifestation of democratic maturity.

“It demonstrates that partisan competition should never eclipse the national interest, and that the President, irrespective of political allegiance, must remain a father to all Nigerians.

“Afenifere regards this as a salutary example for political leaders across the country.”

The group noted that electoral contests should end with the graceful acceptance of the people’s verdict, “rather than descend into vendetta, recrimination or institutional hostility.”

It said, “Political fortunes are transient; democratic institutions and national cohesion must endure. We therefore salute the people of Osun State for their democratic vigilance and congratulate Governor Adeleke.”

PDP congratulates gov

The Peoples Democratic Party also congratulated Adeleke, describing the outcome as a reflection of the confidence reposed in him by the people of Osun State.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the party acknowledged the significance of Adeleke’s re-election and wished him success as he begins another four-year term.

“The Peoples Democratic Party warmly congratulates the Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his well-deserved victory,” the statement read.

The party acknowledged that although Adeleke contested the election on the platform of the Accord, the PDP remained proud of its contribution to the democratic development of Osun State.

“While Governor Adeleke has chosen to pursue his political journey on the platform of the Accord, the PDP remains proud of its contributions to the democratic development of Osun State,” Mohammed said.

The party urged political actors to focus on governance and the welfare of the people rather than partisan considerations.

It further urged all political actors to respect the outcome of the election and work towards maintaining peace and stability in the state.

A faction of the PDP also described Adeleke’s victory as a warning to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The faction, in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of its Interim National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong, said the result reflected the determination of Osun voters to protect their votes despite what it described as attempts to manipulate the electoral process.

It said Adeleke’s victory was “a clear message from Nigerians in Osun State about what the 2027 elections will be.”

According to the faction, the APC deployed its “entire rigging machinery” to Osun State in an attempt to secure victory, but voters resisted the alleged efforts.

“That the APC wanted Osun, by fair or foul means, was not in doubt to anyone,” the statement said, alleging intimidation, assaults and arrests of opposition politicians during the election period.

The faction also cited a reported “kill them” directive attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi, his subsequent invitation by the police and release, as well as what it described as the mobilisation of security and other state institutions in favour of the ruling party.

It specifically accused security agencies, particularly the police, of partiality and criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the freezing of the government’s accounts in the build-up to the election.

The faction also questioned what it described as a delay of more than two hours in the uploading of results from 470 polling units by INEC.

It said such developments were “not just condemnable but are actions capable of derailing democracy.”

The Kano State governorship candidate of the NDC, Aminu Gwarzo, said Adeleke’s re-election signalled victory for the NDC in Kano State in the 2027 governorship election.

Gwarzo, in an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday, congratulated Adeleke and the people of Osun State, saying the election demonstrated the strength of democracy and the determination of citizens to defend their mandate.

“The people have defended their mandate and demonstrated their resolve to protect the democratic process,” Gwarzo said.

He added that the election showed that democracy remained firmly in the hands of the people, whose choices must be respected.

Also, the Imo State Labour Party governorship aspirant, Ifeanyi Ezeagu, congratulated Adeleke, describing the outcome as a significant triumph for democracy and the will of the people.

Ezeagu said Adeleke’s victory was more than a personal political achievement, as it reaffirmed the power of the electorate to determine who leads them.

He said the outcome demonstrated that “when citizens are determined to defend their votes and democratic rights, their voices cannot be ignored.”

According to him, the victory underscored the importance of protecting the integrity of the democratic process and respecting the choices made by voters.

Ezeagu commended the people of Osun State for their resilience, courage and commitment to democratic values, while appreciating stakeholders who played roles in ensuring that the democratic process was upheld.

He said the development should send a clear message to political leaders across Nigeria that public office was a trust and leadership must be centred on the welfare and aspirations of the people.

He urged Nigerians, especially youths, to remain actively involved in the democratic process and continue to demand accountability, justice, good governance and sustainable development.

Adebutu, Showunmi hail

The 2027 governorship candidate of the PDP in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, and a chieftain of the party, Segun Showunmi, also congratulated Adeleke.

Adebutu, in a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, Afolabi Orekoya, commended Adeleke for what he described as steadfastness, people-oriented governance and his ability to secure and validate the mandate freely given to him by Osun voters.

He said Adeleke’s victory indicated that the will of the electorate would ultimately prevail over political manoeuvring.

Adebutu said, “I heartily congratulate my brother, Governor Ademola Adeleke, for proving that when the people stand firmly behind a leader, no force can subvert their will.

“His strides in Osun are a testament to what the people really need — good governance and genuine empathy for the masses.”

Adebutu also said the APC in Ogun State was losing its grip on the electorate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

He said, “Let this also serve as a clear notice to the ruling party here in Ogun State. The APC is a sinking ship in Ogun State.

“The people have seen through the facade, and I say this with all sense of responsibility: no amount of padding—whether it is the padding of election figures, padding of contracts, or political theatrics—can stop the APC from sinking in Ogun State. Their days of holding the state backwards are numbered.”

Showunmi, in a separate statement, said the outcome demonstrated the growing maturity of the democratic culture in the South-West.

He said the election showed that the Yoruba electorate had little tolerance for what it perceived as bullying or the excessive use of political power.

Showunmi added that voters were increasingly willing to identify with perceived underdogs and express their displeasure through the ballot box whenever they believed one side was being unfairly pressured.

He observed that federal influence remained relevant but could not easily substitute for the goodwill earned by a governor through performance, accessibility and positive public perception.

He also argued that political endorsements alone could no longer guarantee electoral victory.

He said, “The era when political endorsements alone guaranteed electoral outcomes appears to be fading. Citizens are increasingly exercising their judgment and voting according to their convictions.”

Showunmi warned political parties and their leaders against neglecting stakeholders, saying party structures could not automatically translate into enthusiastic electoral support.

He condemned the loss of lives associated with the election, stressing that no political contest was worth the life of any Nigerian and calling for those responsible for election-related violence to be held accountable.

He also described the election as another indication that Nigerian elections remained largely two-horse contests, urging smaller political parties to rethink their strategies, structures and relevance if they intended to emerge as serious contenders.

“Democracy is alive and well. The spirit of Ipinle Omoluabi endures. The people have exercised their sovereign right, and their verdict deserves respect,” he said.