Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, on his re-election, describing the victory as a triumph for democracy and the people of Osun State.
Makinde, in a statement made available to newsmen by his Special Adviser (Media), Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Sunday, August 16, said Adeleke’s victory was a reward for his commitment to the people and his administration’s achievements in delivering good governance across the state.
The Oyo State Governor, who is also Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, commended the people of Osun State for demonstrating courage and determination in exercising their democratic rights despite what he described as violence and the deployment of federal might.
He urged Adeleke to regard his re-election as a fresh mandate and encouragement to do more in advancing the development of Osun State.
Makinde also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the election, describing the Osun governorship poll as a litmus test ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He, however, charged the electoral body not to disappoint Nigerians, who, according to him, expect a credible and transparent electoral process in 2027.
He said: “I congratulate my brother and Governor of Osun State, HE 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 it 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 the Independent National Electoral Commission (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.”
