There were reports that about 16 governors, who are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, were in Osun State to rally support for the party’s candidate.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and other top political leaders were also in the state a few days to the election, raising concerns over their intentions.

But ex-President Jonathan, in his reaction, warned that such political conduct demands national attention.

“While we commend the electoral process itself, there are developments surrounding the election and, more importantly, an emerging trend in political conduct during off-cycle elections that raises concerns.

“The growing practice whereby serving governors, senior political office holders, party leaders and other influential government functionaries, accompanied by large numbers of aides and heavy security details from outside a state, converge on states where elections are being conducted, raises an issue that demands national attention,” he said.

He also pointed out that similar political outings were recorded during the off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Ondo State, describing the trend as unusual.

“It is not a practice that should become normal in a democratic society”, Jonathan added.

In a statement issued by Gombe, the party characterised Adeleke’s triumph as well-deserved, asserting that the result mirrors the sovereign will of the citizens of Osun State.

Gombe stated, “The authentic and legitimate leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, guided by Nafiu Bala Gombe, warmly congratulates His Excellency, Governor Nuruddeen Ademola Adeleke, on his well-earned re-election as Governor of Osun State.

“We acknowledge that this victory reinforces democratic values, deepens constitutional governance, and reflects the sovereign will of the esteemed people of Osun State.

“We also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for its diligence and commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and credible election in Osun State. The transparent manner in which the election was conducted serves as a clear testament to INEC’s independence and its role as an impartial electoral arbiter.

“However, for the sake of clarity and public record, the ADC wishes to clarify that the party’s subpar performance in the recent election was a direct result of the imposition of a candidate by members of the coalition group operating under the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Senator David Mark.

“The nomination of an unpopular candidate alienated the electorate and hindered the party’s prospects.

“We wish to assure Nigerians that the ADC, under our leadership, is fully restructured. We will mobilise effectively and present credible and formidable candidates in the upcoming 2027 general elections.

The party congratulated the people of Osun State for exercising their democratic rights and pledged to continue working towards strengthening democracy and constitutional governance in Nigeria.

“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless the African Democratic Congress,” he added.