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• CUPP, ZLP seek inclusive governance, APC candidate backs party’s review of election result
From Lateef Dada, Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Osogbo and Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has denied claims that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) played any role in his re-election, saying the party was not part of the political alliance that supported his campaign in the August 15 governorship election.
Adeleke’s denial came as reactions to the outcome of the election continued yesterday, with the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, backing his party’s review of the result while alleging fresh attacks on members and supporters of the party.
At the same time, ADC local government chairmen in the state congratulated Adeleke on his victory, while the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) candidate, John Adesuyi, urged the governor to use his second term to promote inclusive governance and work across party lines.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke said his victory was achieved through the support of God and the people of Osun State, insisting that the ADC was never part of the alliance that campaigned for his re-election.
The governor said the clarification was necessary to properly document the circumstances surrounding the election.
“I commend the political partners who went all out to make Saturday a victory day for all Osun people. However, for the sake of history, we must clarify that the ADC was never part of this alliance,” Adeleke said.
He said the conclusion of the election had ended the political contest and that he was now governor of the entire state, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or race.
“Now that the election is over, I am the governor of all Osun people, irrespective of political affiliation, religion, or race,” he said.
However, the ADC forum of local government chairmen in the 30 local government areas of the state congratulated Adeleke on his re-election, describing his victory as deserving.
The forum, made up of members of what it described as the party’s Aboriginal/Legacy Group, said Adeleke had worked for the development of the state during his first term and urged him to remain focused on transforming Osun.
The group also called on the governor to be magnanimous in victory and carry all sections of the state along in the discharge of his responsibilities.
The forum commended the people of Osun for what it described as their determination to ensure that their choice prevailed despite alleged intimidation and frustration.
Meanwhile, Oyebamiji, in his first major reaction to the election since the declaration of Adeleke as winner, said he respected the position of the electoral umpire and supported the APC’s ongoing review of the outcome.
In a statement personally signed by him, Oyebamiji thanked voters, party members, leaders, volunteers and supporters who backed his campaign, saying their commitment to the alternative vision presented by the APC would remain cherished.
He urged his supporters to remain calm and peaceful, but alleged that attacks on APC members and supporters had increased following the election.
“As events unfold, I urge all of you to remain calm and peaceful as you go about your daily activities in the post-election period. At the same time, I wish to alert the state government and security agents to the growing trend of hostility and violence against our members and supporters,” he said.
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Oyebamiji alleged that violent attacks witnessed during the build-up to the election had taken a new dimension in the 24 hours following the poll.
He called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intervene and arrest what he described as a troubling trend.
The APC candidate also said the political contest was over, but maintained that the values and development agenda presented during his campaign remained relevant to the state.
He urged his supporters to remain engaged and work for the collective interest of Osun.
Also reacting to the election, CUPP congratulated Adeleke on his re-election, describing the outcome as an expression of the will of Osun voters and a demonstration of constitutional democracy.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Agu Diamond Bryan, the coalition said the election had reinforced the right of citizens to choose their leaders through the ballot.
It urged Adeleke to treat his renewed mandate as a responsibility to strengthen democratic institutions, promote accountability and ensure inclusive governance.
CUPP also called for political tolerance, respect for dissent and constructive opposition, urging the governor to manage political differences through dialogue.
The coalition said Adeleke should use his second term to unite the people, consolidate the gains of his first administration and deliver development and accountable leadership.
Similarly, the ZLP candidate in the election, Adesuyi, congratulated Adeleke and offered to work with his administration on programmes aimed at improving the state.
Adesuyi said the conclusion of the election should mark the beginning of a collective effort to address the developmental challenges confronting Osun rather than a continuation of partisan divisions.
“The election is over, and the task of building a better Osun State must now take precedence over political differences. Osun State belongs to all of us,” he said.
He offered to make available the ZLP’s proposed programmes, including a plan to create 50,000 employment opportunities through the agricultural value chain, as well as infrastructure and other development initiatives.
According to him, such programmes should not be viewed through the prism of political ownership if they can improve employment, agriculture, infrastructure and the state’s economy.
Adesuyi said his party was prepared to contribute ideas, expertise and support to initiatives that would improve the lives of residents, irrespective of political affiliation.
The reactions came two days after the August 15 governorship election in which Adeleke was declared winner, securing a second term in office.
