Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has appealed to political leaders across the state to put aside partisan differences and work together for the progress of the state following the conclusion of the governorship election.
Adeleke’s call comes as Osun begins a post-election phase after a keenly contested poll. The governor urged political stakeholders to shift their attention from electoral rivalry to governance, development and the welfare of residents.
The governor said the period after an election should be used to rebuild relationships and promote peace among residents, regardless of the political parties or candidates they supported during the campaign.
His appeal is particularly relevant given the intense political atmosphere that preceded the election. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also congratulated Adeleke after his victory and urged him to unite the people of Osun, stressing the need to pursue growth, stability and socio-economic development irrespective of their voting choices.
Adeleke has similarly promised to pursue inclusive governance and address areas where his administration may have fallen short. He said the next phase should focus on expanding development and strengthening the benefits of government for residents.
The unity message is significant because political divisions can continue beyond election day, potentially affecting cooperation between government institutions, political parties and communities. A more collaborative political environment could help the state concentrate on issues such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, employment and economic development.
The governor’s position also comes amid wider discussions about the conduct and lessons of the Osun election. While the poll was generally described as peaceful, observers raised concerns about issues including alleged vote-buying, accessibility challenges and the deployment of electoral technology.
The 2026 Osun governorship election has therefore shifted the focus from campaigning to governance. With Adeleke securing a fresh mandate, attention will now turn to how his administration responds to the expectations of voters and manages relationships with political opponents.
As the state moves beyond the election, calls for reconciliation and inclusive governance are expected to remain central to discussions about Osun’s political and developmental future.
