Fintiri described the result as a reflection of the will of Osun voters and their desire for continuity, good governance and people-focused leadership.

“I heartily congratulate Senator Ademola Adeleke on this well-deserved victory. I have no doubt that he will continue to deliver on his mandate to transform Osun State and improve the lives of its citizens,” Fintiri said.

The Adamawa governor also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his commitment to democracy during the election.

“I must commend President Tinubu for standing on the side of democracy. By not interfering with the outcome of the process and by ensuring that the right thing was done, he has proven himself to be a true democrat,” he said.

Fintiri added that respecting the choice of voters, regardless of political affiliation, was important for the growth of democracy.

He called on political actors and other stakeholders in Osun to accept the election result, put aside their differences and support Adeleke in moving the state forward.

The governor also prayed for wisdom, strength and divine guidance for Adeleke as he continues to lead Osun State.

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.