OSUN POLL: HON.ELEGE HAILS ADELEKE’S VICTORY, SAYS PEOPLE’S WILL PREVAILED

ADP Ona Ara Flagbearer Says Osun Result Reinforces the Power of the People and the Growing Demand for Credible Leadership

Hon. Ismaeel Sodiq Opeyemi ELEGE, leading candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) for the Oyo State House of Assembly, Ona Ara Constituency, has congratulated the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, on his re-election victory in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

Hon. ELEGE described the outcome of the keenly contested poll as a significant demonstration of the power of the electorate and an important lesson for politicians across Nigeria. According to him, the result shows that democracy remains strongest when citizens are given the opportunity to freely determine who should lead them.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Adeleke the winner after he secured 511,067 votes, defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes. Adeleke won in 19 of Osun State’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11.

In his congratulatory message, Hon. ELEGE commended the people of Osun State for turning out to exercise their constitutional right and for demonstrating political awareness in choosing their preferred candidate.

He noted that elections should not merely be viewed as contests between political parties, but as opportunities for citizens to assess the records, character, competence and capacity of individuals seeking public office.

Hon. ELEGE further observed that the Osun result carries a message that extends beyond the boundaries of the state, particularly as Nigeria gradually approaches the 2027 general elections.

He argued that the increasing sophistication of Nigerian voters is creating an environment where political candidates must increasingly earn the confidence of the electorate rather than rely solely on party structures, slogans or political influence.

According to him, the electorate is becoming more interested in credibility, accessibility, performance, competence, integrity and commitment to public service.

He added that the result should encourage politicians to return to issue-based politics and concentrate on policies capable of improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

The ADP Ona Ara flagbearer also used the opportunity to commend all stakeholders who contributed to the conduct of the election, while stressing the importance of continuously strengthening Nigeria’s electoral institutions and democratic culture.

He maintained that peaceful elections, transparent processes and respect for the will of voters are essential to building public confidence in democracy.

Hon. ELEGE urged political leaders and supporters across the country to accept electoral outcomes peacefully, pursue grievances through lawful channels where necessary, and place the collective interest of the people above personal or partisan interests.

He said democracy must not be reduced to the period of elections alone, stressing that elected representatives have a continuing responsibility to remain accountable to the people after victory.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Hon. ELEGE expressed confidence that the democratic consciousness witnessed in Osun would inspire voters in Ona Ara Constituency to make decisions based on the qualities and capabilities of individual candidates.

He maintained that the people of Ona Ara deserve representatives who understand their challenges, remain accessible to constituents and are prepared to pursue practical solutions to developmental needs.

He further promised that his political movement, the ELEGE Visionary Team, would continue to champion issue-based politics, grassroots engagement, democratic accountability and peaceful political participation.

Hon. ELEGE stressed that the 2027 elections should be about ideas and solutions rather than insults, intimidation, propaganda or political vendettas.

He called on political parties and aspirants to present clear programmes that address unemployment, education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth empowerment, economic opportunities, security and the general welfare of citizens.

According to him, political leadership should be measured by its ability to translate electoral mandates into tangible improvements in the lives of the people.

He said the electorate should therefore demand accountability from every candidate and reject any attempt to reduce politics to empty promises.

While celebrating Governor Adeleke's victory, Hon. ELEGE urged the governor to regard the renewed mandate as a greater responsibility to the people of Osun State.

He called on the governor to use his second term to deepen development, strengthen institutions, promote inclusive governance and ensure that every part of the state benefits from government programmes and policies.

Hon. ELEGE concluded by congratulating Governor Adeleke, his supporters and the people of Osun State, while urging Nigerians to continue to protect democratic values and participate actively in the political process.

He reaffirmed that the ELEGE Visionary Team remains committed to building a political culture in which competence, integrity, accountability, service and the welfare of the people remain the defining principles of leadership.