President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory in the 2026 governorship election, according to Accord Party chieftain Pelumi Olajengbesi.
Olajengbesi made the disclosure while speaking with journalists at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation centre in Osogbo shortly after Adeleke was formally declared the winner.
He stated that the President personally telephoned Governor Adeleke to offer his congratulations, noting that the call was made even before the official declaration of the results.
“The President congratulated Governor Adeleke last night,” Olajengbesi said. In a further remark, he added: “Even before the result was declared yesterday night, Mr. President called Mr. Governor and congratulated him, and that is good leadership.”
Olajengbesi also commended President Tinubu for allowing the electoral process in Osun State to proceed without presidential interference. He said the President had earlier directed INEC and security agencies to ensure the poll was free, fair and credible, and had kept his word by respecting the outcome.
Governor Adeleke of the Accord Party secured 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes, winning by a margin of 66,252 votes. The victory extends Adeleke’s tenure as governor.
While describing the election as credible, Olajengbesi maintained that it was not entirely free and fair, citing alleged incidents of oppression, violence and the arrest of more than 11 people during the exercise. Despite these concerns, he praised the President for upholding the integrity of the process.
The development underscores a notable gesture of statesmanship amid a closely contested governorship race in which the APC sought to reclaim the state.