The Government of the United Kingdom has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and praised the people of Osun State for their peaceful and active participation in the governorship election held on 15 August 2026.
In a statement issued by the British High Commission in Abuja on Monday, the United Kingdom welcomed several encouraging signs of a positive democratic process based on observations by its accredited election observers and consistent with findings from credible independent observer groups that deployed more widely across the state.
The High Commission noted that polls opened as scheduled in many locations, security personnel demonstrated commitment to maintaining order, and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials effectively implemented electoral procedures. It particularly commended the patience, resilience and participation shown by voters throughout election day.
“The British High Commission commends the people of Osun State for their peaceful and active participation in the 15 August 2026 governorship election and congratulates Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election,” the statement said.
Prior to the election, the British High Commission engaged a range of stakeholders and deployed its own team of accredited observers to monitor the process.
While highlighting the positive aspects, the United Kingdom also noted reports of isolated incidents that generated tension before and during the electoral process. It identified the significant remaining challenge of voter interference, including vote-buying across party lines. The statement further pointed to continued difficulties with access for persons with disabilities and elderly voters, as well as overcrowding linked to the speed and limited provision of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices.
The British High Commission urged relevant institutions to examine the challenges observed and implement lessons that could strengthen future elections.
“The United Kingdom remains committed to working with Nigeria’s electoral institutions, civil society and other partners to support peaceful, transparent, inclusive and credible elections, and to strengthen the democratic institutions that underpin them,” the statement concluded.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party was declared winner of the election by INEC after securing 511,067 votes, defeating the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.