Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has dismissed claims that he had an electoral agreement or partnership with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) before, during or after the August 15 governorship election.
Adeleke, in a statement posted on his verified X handle on Tuesday, attributed his re-election to God and the people of Osun State, while insisting that the ADC did not participate in the political coalition that supported his campaign.
The governor said it was necessary to clarify the issue for the sake of historical accuracy, stressing that the ADC was not part of what he described as the “rainbow coalition” that mobilised voters and campaigned for his re-election.
“I had no electoral deal or partnership with the ADC before, during, or after the governorship election,” Adeleke said.
He added that the victory belonged to God and the people of Osun State, who he said gave him overwhelming support at the polls.
“For the sake of history, it is important to clarify that the ADC was never part of the rainbow coalition that canvassed, mobilised, and supported our campaign in the battle leading to last Saturday’s election,” he said.
Adeleke also commended the political partners who worked with his campaign, saying their sacrifices and commitment contributed significantly to his victory.
“I commend all our political partners who sacrificed, worked tirelessly, and went all out to make Saturday a victory day for all Osun people. Their commitment and support were instrumental to our success,” the governor said.
The clarification comes after Adeleke emerged victorious in the keenly contested election, defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and ADC candidate, Najeem Salaam.
Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to secure re-election, while Oyebamiji recorded 444,815 votes. Salaam finished with 17,180 votes.
The incumbent governor won in 19 of Osun State’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured victory in the remaining 11 local government areas.
Following his re-election, Adeleke said he would govern all residents of the state regardless of their political affiliations, religion or ethnic background.
“Now that the election is over, I remain the Governor of all Osun people, irrespective of political affiliation, religion, or tribe. My commitment is to unite our people and continue working for the progress and prosperity of Osun State,” he said.
While appearing on a television programme, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdulahi, said his party worked for the governor’s victory during the August 15 election.
