President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice-President and 2027 African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, and 2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi have congratulated Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as governor of Osun State, with the opposition figures describing the outcome as a demonstration of the power of the electorate ahead of the 2027 general election.
Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, said Adeleke’s victory was an assurance that democracy would continue to flourish in Nigeria.
The president said he had called Adeleke to congratulate him and urged him to unite the people of Osun State and mobilise them for growth, stability and socio-economic progress irrespective of how they voted.
“I called Governor Ademola Adeleke earlier today to congratulate him on his election victory in Osun State. His victory once again confirmed the confidence the people of Osun State have in him.
“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.
“I salute the courage and discipline displayed by other contestants in the election. Their participation deepened and enriched our country’s democratic culture. 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.”
Tinubu also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies for conducting what he described as a peaceful and transparent election that produced a clear winner.
However, Atiku, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, described the Osun election as a “forerunner” of the 2027 general elections, saying the outcome reflected the democratic wishes of the people.
In a statement by his media office, Atiku commended Osun voters for turning out in large numbers and resisting what he described as attempts to undermine the democratic process.
“The outcome of last Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Osun State is an expression of the wishes of the people, which has earned Governor Adeleke his re-election.
“The lesson from the election is that the voters in Osun State have set a good example of how we must come out in large numbers in the general elections next year.
“Another important lesson from the Osun election is that it is a clear manifestation of how the collective resolve of the electorate to stand firm to protect their ballot is the best antidote to rigging, vote buying and other electoral malpractice and irregularities,” Atiku said.
The former vice-president further claimed that the outcome demonstrated the declining popularity of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the Tinubu administration of failed policies.
“Nigerians have roundly rejected the APC. The election in Osun State is just a telling indication that the APC will be defeated in the general election in January 2027. Indeed, it is a forerunner of the 2027 General Elections,” he said.
Atiku urged Adeleke to use his renewed mandate to deepen good governance and improve the economic and social wellbeing of Osun residents.
Similarly, Obi congratulated Adeleke and the people of Osun State, saying the election reaffirmed that the power to choose leaders belongs to the people.
In a statement titled “Osun: When the People Stand, Democracy Wins”, Obi particularly commended youths in the state for what he described as their vigilance in protecting their democratic mandate.
“The lesson from Osun is clear: democracy is strongest when citizens are alert, conscious of their civic responsibility, and determined to ensure that their votes count. Every genuine vote must be respected, and every lawful mandate must be protected,” he said.
Obi urged Nigerians to remain informed and actively participate in the 2027 elections, stressing that citizens could use their votes to demand change in response to prevailing challenges, including hardship, insecurity and deprivation.
He also called on political actors to prioritise the interests of Nigerians, embrace peace and respect the rule of law.
“Elections should never be battles of violence, but contests of ideas, competence, character, and service,” Obi said.
Adeleke’s re-election has consequently drawn contrasting political interpretations, with the president describing it as an affirmation of democratic progress, while Atiku and Obi emphasised voter vigilance and participation as lessons for the 2027 general elections.