Nigerians have been sending their congratulatory messages to the governor following his victory in the poll.

Reacting, Melaye, in a post on his X handle on Sunday, said despite having President Bola Tinubu, 33 state governors and the Senate President, the APC still lost.

The former lawmaker insinuated that the ruling party will soon go into extinction, urging the party to rest in peace.

He wrote, “Till we meet again APC. Rest in Peace. 34 Governors, Senate President and Tinubu defeated. Odabo Tinubu… Ancestral State lost.”

The former governor also praised the people of Osun State for participating in the election and exercising their constitutional right to choose their leaders.

“As a leader of the opposition and a committed democrat, I commend the people of Osun State for exercising their democratic rights and reaffirming the power of the people’s mandate,” Kwankwaso said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Adeleke the winner of the poll in the early hours of Sunday after he defeated the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

Adeleke polled 511,067 votes, while Oyebamiji secured 444,815 votes. The incumbent won in 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, with the APC candidate taking the remaining 11.

The African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam, finished third with 17,180 votes.

Reacting to the election outcome, Kwankwaso said the result underscored the importance of active citizen participation in the democratic process.

“This victory is a reminder that when citizens remain committed to their civic responsibilities and make their voices heard, the people’s will must prevail,” he said.

Kwankwaso also commended INEC for its role in conducting the election and urged the electoral body and other stakeholders to continue working towards credible, peaceful and transparent elections.

“I also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission for the conduct of the election and encourage all stakeholders to continue to uphold the principles of credible, peaceful and transparent elections. Congratulations once again to Governor Adeleke and the good people of Osun State,” he added.

He said the outcome underscored the power of citizens in a democratic society, stressing that the collective will of the electorate could not be suppressed when the people remained united and determined to defend their choices.

“The victory was significant not only for Governor Adeleke and his supporters but also for the Accord Party and its members, whom demonstrated commitment to the democratic process,” Nyameh said.

“Congratulations, Your Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, on your victory. To the good people of Osun State, you have made your choice, and your voice has been heard,” Nyameh added.

The former Taraba governorship candidate also expressed appreciation to voters who, according to him, remained steadfast in defending their ballots throughout the electoral process.

Nyameh alleged that the Accord Party and its candidate were subjected to intimidation, pressure and political opposition, but maintained that the electorate refused to be deterred from exercising their democratic rights.

He described the development as a reminder that democracy ultimately derives its legitimacy from the people, arguing that citizens who stand together can protect the integrity of their choices and ensure that their voices are heard.

The Accord chieftain urged political actors across the country to respect the wishes of the electorate and embrace the principles of peaceful political participation, tolerance and respect for democratic outcomes.

“The reported victory should serve as encouragement for Nigerians who believe in participatory democracy and the right of citizens to freely choose their leaders,” he argued.

Nyameh further congratulated Governor Adeleke, his supporters and members of the Accord Party, describing the development as a significant moment for the party and its supporters.

“Congratulations once again to Governor Adeleke and the entire Accord family,” he added.