Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has received his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.

The certificate was presented to Adeleke by the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, at about 1:30pm on Wednesday at the commission’s headquarters in Osogbo.

The presentation came shortly after Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi received his own certificate of return.

Adeleke defeats Oyebamiji

Adeleke, who contested the election on the platform of the Accord Party, defeated his closest challenger, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), by 66,252 votes.

The governor polled 511,067 votes, while Oyebamiji secured 444,815 votes. The ADC candidate, Najeem Salaam, finished a distant third with 17,180 votes.

Adeleke won 19 of Osun State’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured victory in 11 LGAs.

The election was closely watched after a tense campaign period that witnessed political disagreements and concerns over possible violence.

INEC declares Adeleke winner

The Returning Officer, Professor Ogunwole, declared Adeleke the winner after stating that the Accord Party candidate had satisfied the requirements of the law.

The declaration immediately triggered celebrations among Adeleke’s supporters and residents in different parts of the state.

Babalola said the commission had fulfilled its statutory responsibility by affirming the choice of voters in the election.

She declared Adeleke and Adewusi duly returned and congratulated them on their victory.

The REC also commended stakeholders who contributed to the conduct of the election, including security agencies, non-governmental organisations, the media and traditional rulers.

INEC commends voters

Babalola praised residents for participating in the electoral process, putting voter turnout at 43.2 per cent.

She urged Adeleke to be magnanimous in victory and to work for the benefit of all residents of Osun State irrespective of political affiliation.

The commission said the participation of stakeholders helped ensure that the election was successfully conducted despite concerns raised before the poll.

Ajayi praises Osun electorate

The INEC National Supervising Commissioner for Osun State, Professor Kunle Ajayi, described the presentation of the certificate as a significant moment for democracy and the people of Osun.

Ajayi said the electorate refused to succumb to fear and intimidation despite heightened tension and incidents of violence during the build-up to the election.

According to him, the successful conduct of the poll demonstrated the resilience and determination of the people of Osun.

He stressed that INEC did not enter the election with a preferred candidate, but with the objective of ensuring that the will of voters was respected and democracy strengthened.

Security agencies, party agents commended

Ajayi commended security agencies for their sacrifices before, during and after the election, saying their efforts contributed to the peaceful conduct of the exercise.

He also praised party agents for remaining vigilant throughout the process.

He said their participation helped promote accountability and transparency, particularly in the monitoring of voting and collation activities.

The certificate of return formally confirms Adeleke’s re-election and clears the way for him and his deputy to begin preparations for another term in office.

The governor’s victory gives him another opportunity to continue his administration’s programmes while also responding to expectations from residents across the state.

Adeleke’s margin of 66,252 votes over Oyebamiji also marked a clear victory in the keenly contested election, with the Accord Party candidate securing the highest number of votes and winning 19 local government areas.