Adeleke Gets Certificate Of Return, Cements Second-Term Victory

• INEC has formally presented Governor Ademola Adeleke and his deputy, Kola Adewusi, with their Certificates of Return, confirming their re-election for another four-year term in Osun State.

• Adeleke defeated his closest challenger, APC’s Bola Oyebamiji, with 511,067 votes against 444,815, winning by a margin of 66,252 votes.

• The governor extended an olive branch to his opponents, urging them to join hands with his administration because “Osun is bigger than anyone.”

• Adeleke also pledged scholarships for children of those who lost their lives during the election and called on his supporters to forgive past political grievances.

August 19, () — On Wednesday, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), formally cementing his victory in the governorship election and confirming his second term in office.

INEC National Commissioner supervising Osun State, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, presented the Certificate of Return to Adeleke and his deputy, Kola Adewusi, at the commission’s office in Osogbo.

The ceremony formally concluded the electoral process that saw Adeleke defeat his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a keenly contested poll.

reports that Adeleke secured 511,067 votes, while Oyebamiji polled 444,815 votes, giving the incumbent a winning margin of 66,252 votes. The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, came third with 17,180 votes.

The presentation of the certificates was witnessed by members and supporters of the Accord party, as well as other political stakeholders.

Adeleke Thanks INEC, Security Agencies

Speaking after receiving his Certificate of Return, Adeleke expressed appreciation to INEC and security agencies for their roles in conducting what he described as a successful election. The governor also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu, thanking him for allowing democracy to thrive and wishing him success in the 2027 general elections.

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‘Osun Is Bigger Than Anyone’

Despite the intense political contest that preceded the election, Adeleke used the occasion to extend an olive branch to those who challenged him at the polls.

He called on all candidates who contested the election against him to put their political differences aside and join his administration in moving the state forward.

“Osun is bigger than anyone”, the governor said, stressing the need for collective efforts to develop the state.

He also appealed to his supporters to embrace forgiveness and move beyond the political battles that characterised the electioneering period.

Adeleke said he had forgiven those who wronged him during the campaign and urged his supporters to similarly let go of whatever grievances they might have accumulated during the contest.

The governor also acknowledged those who lost their lives during the election and expressed concern over the impact of the deaths on their families. He promised that the children of those who died would be offered scholarships.