Aregbesola congratulates Adeleke, calls for Osun unity

Rauf Aregbesola, former governor of Osun State and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election victory. Aregbesola urged the governor to leverage his renewed mandate to foster unity within the state and ensure governance benefits all residents, irrespective of their political leanings.

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Now that the people of Osun have spoken through the ballot, their decision must be respected.

Despite the ADC's heavy defeat in the election, with its candidate Najeem Salaam securing only 17,180 votes compared to Adeleke's 511,067, Aregbesola commended the Osun voters for their "political sophistication." He also acknowledged the commitment of ADC members and supporters who remained dedicated to the party and its candidate throughout the electoral process.

Aregbesola, who served as Osun governor from 2010 to 2018, emphasized that the election outcome reflects the will of the people and must be respected. He called on Governor Adeleke to view the victory not merely as a triumph over opponents but as a profound responsibility to unite the state, advance development, and govern with fairness, humility, and a strong sense of duty towards every citizen.

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I urge him to see the outcome as a renewed mandate to unite the state, deepen development and govern with fairness, humility and a strong sense of responsibility to every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation.

The former governor also lauded Dr. Salaam for conducting himself with dignity during the campaign and accepting the results maturely. Aregbesola highlighted that Salaam's campaign embodied the ADC's belief in politics centered on "ideas, competence, character, and service to the people." He encouraged party members to maintain their unity and continue engaging constructively with the government, offering alternative ideas for the state's improvement.

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Dr. Salaam has conducted himself with dignity throughout this contest.