Tinubu Congratulates Adeleke, Says Victory Affirms Strength of Democracy

Adeleke: Tinubu is a true democrat — No victor, no vanquished

By Adebola Muili

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election in the Osun State governorship election, describing the victory as a fitting assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in Nigeria.

Tinubu, in a statement issued on Sunday, August 16, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said he had earlier called Adeleke to congratulate him on his victory.

The President said Adeleke’s re-election had once again demonstrated the confidence reposed in him by the people of Osun State, urging him to use his second term to unite the people and pursue growth, stability and socio-economic progress across the state.

“I wish him great success as he prepares to lead the state for the next four years. Now that he has won, Governor Adeleke must unite the people of Osun State and rally them for growth, stability, and social and economic progress, regardless of the political choices they made at the election,” Tinubu said.

He also commended other contestants for what he described as their courage and discipline, noting that their participation contributed to the deepening of Nigeria’s democratic culture.

According to him, the outcome of the election reflected the will of the people and demonstrated that democracy remains strong in the country.

“The outcome of the election reflects the will of the people and is a fitting assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in our land,” the President said.

Tinubu further commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for conducting what he described as a peaceful and transparent election that produced a clear winner.

Reacting to the President’s congratulatory call, Adeleke described Tinubu as a “true democrat” and said he expected his closest challenger, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress, to also congratulate him.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called me to congratulate me. He is a true democrat. I expect Oyebanji to call me too,” Adeleke said.

The governor-elect, who called for reconciliation after the election, added: “There’s no victor and no vanquished.”