He noted that once voters had made their choice, contestants and their supporters should accept the outcome and work towards preserving peace and democratic values.

“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,” he said.

The former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly said the election had also demonstrated the inevitable nature of winners and losers in any democratic contest.

“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,” Salaam said.

While congratulating Adeleke, the ADC candidate urged the governor to use his renewed mandate to assess areas where his administration could improve and build on its achievements.

He advised Adeleke to consolidate existing gains while addressing shortcomings, stressing that effective governance required continuous assessment and adjustment.

“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.

“Governance is a continuous process, and every administration has areas that require reflection, correction and improvement,” he said.

Salaam further called on the governor to administer the state without discrimination, regardless of political affiliation or previous differences.

“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 added.

The ADC candidate’s message comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Adeleke the winner of the August 15 governorship election.

In a message shared on his X account on Sunday, the former governor said the election showed that voters still had the power to choose their leaders through the ballot.

“This victory is not only a personal triumph for Governor Adeleke; it is a victory for democracy and, above all, a victory for the people of Osun State, who have once again exercised their constitutional right to determine who leads them,” he said.

Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, said, “The ballot remains the most powerful expression of the will of the people in a democracy. When citizens freely make their choice, and that choice is respected, our democratic institutions are strengthened, and public confidence in the electoral process is deepened.”

He also praised Osun residents for taking part in the election and supporting the democratic process.

While congratulating Adeleke on winning another term, Tambuwal urged him to use the fresh mandate to govern everyone in the state, regardless of political party.

“As he prepares to continue the work of governance, I urge him to see this renewed mandate as an even greater responsibility to serve all the people of Osun State, irrespective of political affiliation,” he said.

Tambuwal wished Adeleke wisdom and strength as he begins another term, urging his administration to focus on improving the welfare and interests of the people.

The former Kano State governor said some governors who had failed to meet the needs of their people were moving to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), allegedly believing that the party’s political strength would help them win another term.

He said growing concerns over insecurity, poverty, unemployment and poor public services could affect how Nigerians vote in the 2027 elections.

“What I foresee in the 2027 elections is that most of the governors seeking re-election will be disappointed because people will not support them,” Kwankwaso said.

Kwankwaso said Nigerians were becoming more politically conscious and would not necessarily support politicians simply because they controlled government structures.

He pointed to the large number of children out of school and the insecurity affecting communities across the country as reasons citizens were demanding better leadership.

The former Kano governor also highlighted some of the programmes implemented during his time in office, particularly in education.

He said his administration expanded access to primary, secondary and tertiary education for qualified residents, while also introducing programmes to address the Almajiri challenge.

According to him, his government also invested in educational infrastructure, including hostels for students.

Kwankwaso criticised the growing movement of politicians from opposition parties into the APC, saying some were doing so mainly to gain political advantage ahead of the 2027 elections.

He maintained that the ultimate decision would rest with Nigerian voters, regardless of the political structures controlled by incumbent governors.

He argued that governments could improve citizens’ lives when public resources were properly prioritised and used to address pressing needs.