The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in the Osun State election, Najeem Salaam, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, saying the outcome of the poll demonstrated that democracy had prevailed.
According to The Punch, Salaam said the electorate’s decision should be respected irrespective of political affiliations or differences, stressing that the people had exercised their democratic right.
He said, “I warmly congratulate His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election as the Governor of Osun State. At the end of the day, the choice of the people must prevail. In any democratic process, there will always be choices, contestation and differing views, but what matters most is that the people are given the opportunity to decide. Today, they have exercised that right, and their decision deserves our respect and support.”
The ADC candidate noted that electoral contests would always produce winners and losers, urging political actors to avoid allowing differences to undermine peace and unity in Osun.
“The outcome of this election is a reminder that, in every contest, there will always be a winner. Today, the people have spoken, and their choice must be respected. As Omoluabi, we must understand that politics is not a do-or-die affair. Political differences should never become reasons to threaten our peace, unity or brotherhood,” he said.
Salaam also urged Adeleke to use his second term to address areas where his administration may have fallen short while building on its accomplishments.
“Your Excellency, as you commence another term in office, I urge you to use this mandate as an opportunity to reflect on the areas where your administration may have fallen short, improve upon them and consolidate on the gains already recorded,” he said.
He stressed that governance remained an ongoing process, with every administration requiring periods of assessment, correction and improvement.
Salaam further appealed to Adeleke to govern in the interest of all Osun residents, regardless of their political affiliations.
“Osun belongs to all of us. Beyond party lines and political differences, our collective responsibility is to build a state where every citizen can live with dignity, security and hope for a better future,” he said.
The ADC candidate wished Adeleke a successful second term, expressing hope that it would usher in greater development, peace and prosperity across the state.
“Politics is not a do-or-die affair. The people have spoken; democracy has prevailed,” Salaam said.
Adeleke emerged victorious in the governorship election with 511,067 votes.
His closest challenger, the All Progressives Congress candidate, received 444,815 votes, while Salaam polled 17,180 votes.
