Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has rejected claims that the African Democratic Congress, ADC, entered into an electoral agreement with him ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election.
Adeleke said the ADC was not part of the political coalition that supported his successful bid for a second term, stressing that he had no electoral deal or partnership with the opposition party before, during or after the election.
The governor made the clarification in a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, while thanking political allies and residents of Osun State for their support.
According to Adeleke, his re-election was made possible by God and the people of Osun State. He also praised political partners who worked to secure what he described as a victory for the people.
“I commend political partners who went all out to make Saturday a victory day for all Osun people. But we must clarify for the sake of history that ADC was never part of the alliance.
“Now that the election is over, I am a governor of all Osun people irrespective of political groups, religion or race.”
The clarification comes after ADC chieftain Dele Momodu publicly backed Adeleke ahead of the election, despite belonging to the opposition party. Momodu had urged opposition parties to unite behind Adeleke, arguing that the strategy was necessary to defeat the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun.
Momodu also reacted on Tuesday to comments attributed to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, regarding the APC’s performance in the Osun governorship election. He cautioned against comparing Adeleke with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
“Osun people would have demystified you mercilessly. Adeleke is not Fubara!! My kobo advice, stop equating yourself to God,” Momodu wrote on X.
The ADC governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam, meanwhile, congratulated party members for their efforts during the election and thanked Osun voters for participating in the democratic process.
Salaam also acknowledged former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola for his contribution to the ADC campaign, saying his commitment to the state would continue despite the election result.
“I sincerely appreciate every one of you for your courage, steadfastness and unwavering belief throughout this journey. Against all odds, we walked, we talked, and we stood together. We did so not merely for political power, but because we genuinely believe in the development, progress and future of Osun State.
“To the good people of Osun State, I deeply appreciate you for coming out to exercise your democratic right. I thank you for listening to our message, engaging with us and giving us the opportunity to present our vision for a better Osun. Your voices and choices must always be respected, because democracy ultimately belongs to the people.
“I also express my profound gratitude to our leader, @raufaregbesola, a great political strategist, mobiliser and courageous leader whose experience, wisdom and commitment added immense strength to our journey. His presence reminded us that politics can be about ideas, service and the people.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Adeleke winner of the Osun governorship election on Sunday. He secured 511,067 votes to defeat APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.
Adeleke, who first won the Osun governorship election in 2022 on the PDP platform, will now begin his second term after defeating Oyebamiji in the 2026 Osun State governorship poll.
