President Bola Tinubu has urged re-elected Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke not to stigmatise or shame his political opponents following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.
Tinubu gave the advice on Thursday when Adeleke visited him at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and presented his Certificate of Return.
The President reminded Adeleke that the election was not a conquest but a democratic contest in which the people of Osun State chose their preferred candidate.
‘You Didn’t Conquer Anybody’
“Don’t stigmatise any of your opponents,” Tinubu told Adeleke.
He said the people of Osun had made their choice by voting for Adeleke and giving him another mandate to govern the state.
According to the President, Adeleke should use his second term to promote unity, peace and stability across Osun rather than treat his victory as an opportunity to humiliate those who contested against him.
“You didn’t conquer anybody; you won an election,” Tinubu said.
He added that anyone who did not celebrate a free and fair election did not deserve the joy and benefits that democracy provides.
Tinubu Commends Adeleke’s Campaign
The President also praised Adeleke for what he described as a “progressive instinct” during the election campaign.
Tinubu commended the governor and his campaign team for their mobilisation efforts, while encouraging him to promote democracy, stability and the rule of law.
“You are in a very unique position to make history,” the President told Adeleke, urging him to focus on governance and the unity of Osun State.
Adeleke Wins Second Term
The meeting followed Adeleke’s victory in the August 15 governorship election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared the governor the winner after he secured 511,067 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who polled 444,815 votes.
Adeleke subsequently received his Certificate of Return and presented it to Tinubu during Thursday’s meeting.
The President’s appeal comes amid concerns over political tensions and violence reported around the Osun election, with calls for political leaders to promote reconciliation and stability following the poll.
