OSUN ELECTION: YORUBA YOUTH COUNCIL (YYC)CONGRATULATES ADELEKE, COMMENDS TINUBU FOR DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP

The Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) has congratulated the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, on his victory in the August 15, 2026 governorship election, describing the outcome as a significant affirmation of the people’s democratic choice and confidence in his administration.

In a statement signed by the President of the Yoruba Youth Council, Mogaji Alawode Rahmon Akintunde, the organisation commended the people of Osun State for their peaceful participation in the electoral process and for demonstrating their commitment to democratic governance.

The Council said the election represents an important moment for Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that the ability of citizens to freely cast their ballots and have their choices respected remains fundamental to the survival and consolidation of democratic institutions.

According to the YYC, Governor Adeleke’s victory should not merely be viewed as a political triumph, but as a renewed mandate that comes with greater responsibility to deliver good governance, inclusive development and meaningful dividends of democracy to the people of Osun State.

“A Victory for Democracy and the People”

The Council described the outcome of the election as evidence that the electorate remains the ultimate stakeholder in a democratic system.

“The victory of Governor Ademola Adeleke is a victory for democracy and a clear demonstration that the people’s votes can determine the direction of governance when the electoral process is allowed to function effectively,” the Council stated.

The YYC further praised the electorate for participating in the process and urged all political stakeholders to accept the outcome peacefully, while encouraging anyone with legitimate grievances to seek redress through lawful and constitutional channels.

The Yoruba Youth Council also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as his commitment to democratic principles and respect for the will of the electorate.

The Council noted that the conduct and outcome of the Osun election would contribute to the broader national conversation about the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Mogaji Alawode Rahmon Akintunde, the willingness of the political leadership to allow voters to express their choices is essential to building confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.

The Council said President Tinubu’s perceived commitment to democratic governance and respect for electoral outcomes could strengthen public confidence in his administration and potentially improve his political standing ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“The people will always remember leaders who allow democracy to work. Respect for the electorate, protection of the ballot and commitment to constitutional processes are values that can have lasting political consequences,” the Council stated.

The YYC urged President Tinubu and other political leaders to sustain an environment where Nigerians can freely participate in elections without intimidation, violence or unnecessary interference.

The organisation stressed that Nigeria’s democratic progress must not be measured solely by the conduct of elections, but also by the willingness of political actors to respect the choices made by voters.

It therefore called on political parties, candidates, supporters and civil society organisations to continue promoting peace, tolerance and respect for democratic institutions as the country gradually moves towards the 2027 elections.

While congratulating Governor Adeleke, the Council urged him to regard his victory as a fresh opportunity to deepen his administration’s impact across Osun State.

The YYC called on the governor to prioritise policies and programmes that directly improve the lives of residents, particularly in the areas of employment, education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth empowerment, agriculture and economic development.

The Council also encouraged Governor Adeleke to use the renewed mandate to promote unity across political divides and ensure that governance remains inclusive and accessible to all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation.

“Victory at the polls is not the end of the journey; it is the beginning of a greater responsibility. The people have spoken, and the new mandate should translate into stronger service, greater development and more opportunities for the people of Osun State,” the Council said.

The Yoruba Youth Council also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders involved in the electoral process for their roles in ensuring the conduct of the election.

The organisation noted that professional electoral administration, adequate security and respect for the rule of law are critical to strengthening citizens’ confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

It urged relevant authorities to continue improving electoral processes, addressing identified shortcomings and ensuring that future elections become increasingly transparent, peaceful, credible and inclusive.

A Message of Peace to Political Actors

The YYC called on all candidates and political parties to place the peace and progress of Osun State above partisan interests.

The Council urged those who may disagree with the outcome to pursue their grievances through appropriate legal channels rather than resorting to violence, inflammatory rhetoric or actions capable of undermining the peace of the state.

It equally appealed to supporters of the victorious party to demonstrate maturity and restraint in celebrating the outcome.

The organisation maintained that elections should strengthen, rather than divide, communities and that political competition must ultimately serve the interests of the people.

The Yoruba Youth Council once again congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his electoral victory and wished him a successful tenure in office.

The Council expressed optimism that the outcome of the Osun election would contribute to the strengthening of democratic values in Nigeria and serve as a reminder that the will of the people remains central to legitimate governance.