President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has advised Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to use his victory in the recent governorship election to promote unity rather than deepen political divisions.
Tinubu gave the advice when Adeleke visited him at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, days after securing another term in office. During the meeting, the President congratulated the governor but cautioned him against humiliating or stigmatising candidates who contested against him.
“Don’t stigmatise any of your opponents,” Tinubu told Adeleke, stressing that the election outcome should not be treated as a personal victory over political rivals.
The President further reminded the governor that elections are an essential part of democratic governance.
“You did not conquer anybody. You won an election. That is the essence of democracy,” Tinubu said.
He urged Adeleke to ensure that no individual becomes a victim of the campaign and encouraged him to build bridges across political and social divides in the state.
Tinubu said the ability to accept both victory and defeat was central to democracy, adding that political leaders should prioritise the long-term interests of their communities over the bitterness associated with electoral contests.
The message is significant because the Osun election was preceded by intense political competition, making post-election reconciliation an important issue for the state. Adeleke has also indicated that his administration intends to reach out to political opponents and other stakeholders.
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke the winner after he secured 511,067 votes, defeating All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes. African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam finished third with 17,180 votes.
Adeleke’s re-election followed a closely watched August 15 poll involving 15 political parties. With the election now concluded, attention has shifted towards governance, reconciliation and the governor’s ability to bring together supporters and opponents.
Tinubu’s intervention therefore places renewed emphasis on peaceful political engagement as Osun begins a new phase following the election.
