…Says Osun victory reaffirms power of the people

Former Kano State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice-Presidential Candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the August 15, 2026 governorship election, describing the outcome as a reaffirmation of the power of the people and the enduring strength of democratic choice.

Kwankwaso, in a congratulatory message, described Governor Adeleke as a friend and fellow democrat, while commending the people of Osun State for turning out to exercise their constitutional right to choose the leadership they desire.

“I congratulate my friend, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State and candidate of the Accord Party, on his victory in the 15 August 2026 Osun State Governorship Election,” Kwankwaso said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke the winner after the results from the state’s 30 local government areas were collated. The victory secured the governor a second term in office.

Kwankwaso said the election was significant not merely because of its outcome, but because it demonstrated the capacity of citizens to shape political leadership through the ballot box.

“As a leader of the opposition and a committed democrat, I commend the people of Osun State for exercising their democratic rights and reaffirming the power of the people’s mandate,” he stated.

He noted that democracy derives its legitimacy from the consent of the governed, stressing that the Osun election should serve as another reminder to political actors that the ultimate authority in a democracy belongs to the electorate.

“This victory is a reminder that when citizens remain committed to their civic responsibilities and make their voices heard, the people’s will must prevail,” Kwankwaso added.

The NDC leader also commended INEC for the conduct of the election, urging the electoral commission and all political stakeholders to continue strengthening the democratic process through credible, peaceful and transparent elections.

His commendation comes amid wider opposition recognition of the significance of the Osun outcome. Reports indicate that other opposition leaders have also congratulated Governor Adeleke and urged him to justify the renewed mandate entrusted to him by Osun voters.

Kwankwaso stressed that the responsibility of democratic leadership does not end with victory at the polls. Rather, he said, electoral victory imposes a greater obligation on elected leaders to serve all citizens, including those who did not vote for them.

He therefore urged Governor Adeleke to regard the renewed mandate as a call to deepen good governance, strengthen unity across the state and remain responsive to the aspirations and expectations of the people of Osun.

“Congratulations once again to Governor Adeleke and the good people of Osun State,” Kwankwaso said.

The former Kano governor further called on all candidates, political parties, supporters and other stakeholders to accept the outcome peacefully and continue to place the stability and democratic development of Osun State above partisan interests.

For Kwankwaso, the significance of Osun goes beyond the immediate contest: it is a reminder that a vibrant democracy depends on citizens who participate, institutions that uphold the rules and political leaders who respect the mandate freely expressed at the ballot box.