DAILY POST reports that Ahmad has been at loggerheads with Afrobeats superstar, Davido, the governor’s nephew, prior to the election.

Ahmad had mocked Davido, telling him to ask United States President Donald Trump to deploy troops to help his uncle win the election.

However, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Sunday morning declared Adeleke winner of the the election after he defeated his opponents, including the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Reacting, Ahmad said, “While I may stand on the opposite side of the political divide, I respect the mandate freely given to you by the people of Osun State.

“Congratulations to Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory. Democracy is fundamentally about respecting the will and choice of the electorate.”

He also praised the people of Osun State for participating in the election and exercising their right to vote despite the challenges associated with the electoral process.

According to the governor, the outcome once again affirmed the central role of citizens in determining who governs them in a democratic system.

Makinde urged Adeleke to regard his re-election as a renewed mandate and an opportunity to intensify efforts to improve the lives of residents and accelerate development across the state.

The Oyo governor also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for its handling of the election.

He described the Osun governorship poll as an important test ahead of the 2027 general elections and urged the electoral commission to sustain public confidence by ensuring future elections are credible, transparent and peaceful.

Makinde said Nigerians expected INEC to build on the lessons from the Osun election and deliver an electoral process that would meet the aspirations of citizens in 2027.

Incumbent, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who contested on the platform of Accord Party, was declared winner of the keenly contested election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Sunday morning.

Reacting to the development, Olatunji said the outcome of the election showed that no amount of influence and intimidation can suppress the will of the people.

He described the outcome of the Osun election is a significant morale booster for the electorate ahead of the general elections.

Olatunji also congratulated Adeleke on his victory, adding that what happened in Osun State is a wake-up call to political office holders that the people posses the constitutional power to determine who governs them through their votes.

“The Osun election is a morale booster for many emerging political leaders and genuine democrats who believe that strong connection with the electorate, fulfilment of electoral promises, empathy, commitment to quality leadership, strategic positioning and credible engagement with the people remain critical to electoral success.

“It is becoming increasingly evident that Nigerian voters are beginning to appreciate the power of their votes and the importance of participating actively in the democratic process.

“The message from Osun is clear: the people have the power, and when they collectively decide, no amount of money, influence or political might can permanently suppress their will,” he said.