Osun 2026: It’s Victory For Democracy - Gov. Adeleke
By Tony Enokela
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has described his victory in the just-concluded governorship election as a triumph for democracy and the people of the state.
Adeleke, who was declared winner of the poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, spoke shortly after his declaration, expressing gratitude to God and to Osun residents for standing by him.
Speaking in a video posted by TVC News via X.com on Sunday, Adeleke said, "I feel great. First of all, I thank God Almighty for what has happened today. It’s a victory for democracy in Nigeria. A victory for Osun people that stood by me and said, Imole, you have done a lot for us. You have given us dividend of democracy in terms of infrastructure, improving our education, agriculture, and so forth. So this is for Osun people saying, thank you, Mr Governor.”
The governor’s remarks came moments after he was declared elected, having won 19 out of the 30 local government areas in the governorship election held across the state on Saturday by the State Returning Officer, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Prof Joshua Ogunwole.
According to the final collation announced on Form EC8E, Adeleke polled a total of 511,067 votes to defeat his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 444,815 votes.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Osun State, Najeem Salaam, had 17,180 votes.
The total number of registered voters is 2,339,544, while total numbers of accredited voters: 1,010,684; The total valid votes: 985,079.
Adeleke won Boluwaduro, Ede South, Ife North, Ilesa West, Ifedayo, Ife Central, Orolu, Osogbo, Oriade, Odo-Otin, Ife East, Ifelodun, Iwo, Ede North, Ila, Aiyedire, Egbedore, Aiyedaade and Ejigbo local government areas.
Oyebamiji emerged victorious in Ilesa East, Boripe, Irepodun, Obokun, Atakunmosa West, Irewole, Atakunmosa East, Isokan, Ola Oluwa, Ife South and Olorunda local government areas.
Based on the collated local government results, Adeleke secured victories in 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while the APC candidate secured 11 councils.
Accord won 19 out of the 30 LGAs: (Boluwaduro, Ede South, Ife North, Ilesa West, Ifedayo, Ife Central, Orolu, Osogbo, Oriade, Odo-Otin, Ife East, Ifelodun, Iwo, Ede North, Ila, Aiyedire, Egbedore, Aiyedaade, Ejigbo)
APC won the remaining 11 LGAs (Ilesa East, Boripe, Irepodun, Obokun, Atakunmosa West, Irewole, Atakunmosa East, Isokan, Ola Oluwa, Ife South, Olorunda).
