The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the incumbent Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, winner of the state’s governorship election.
Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defeated his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and 13 other candidates in the keenly contested election.
The returning officer announced Adeleke as the winner in the early hours of Sunday following voting across the state’s 30 local government areas.
Oyebamiji, a former Osun State Commissioner for Finance, finished second, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam, emerged third.
According to INEC, 15 political parties participated in the election, with 1,906,390 Permanent Voter Cards collected ahead of the poll.
Adeleke, who won his first term in 2022 under the PDP, campaigned on his administration’s record in infrastructure, economic development, pension payments, healthcare and digital transformation.
INEC said Adeleke secured victories in several local government areas, including Oriade, Osogbo, Orolu, Ife Central, Ilesha West, Ife North, Ede South, Ifedayo, Boluwaduro, Iwo and Ifelodun.
Oyebamiji, meanwhile, won in Ilesha South, Boripe, Irepodun, Obokun and Atakumosa West.
Ahead of the election, Adeleke had repeatedly raised concerns over alleged attempts to disrupt the electoral process. He also promised to establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate reported killings and other acts of violence linked to the election.
Speaking about his administration’s record before the poll, Adeleke said his government had made progress in strengthening the state’s economy, improving infrastructure, settling outstanding obligations and advancing digital transformation.
The governor’s victory secures another mandate for him following his 2022 election victory, when he defeated the incumbent governor, Gboyega Oyetola, in a closely fought contest.
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Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
