Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has dismissed claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the party contributed to his victory in last Saturday’s governorship re-election.
Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, and obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, said he had no electoral deal or partnership with the ADC before, during or after the election.
The governor credited God and the people of Osun State for his victory, saying the ADC was never part of the “rainbow coalition” that canvassed support for his re-election.
Adeleke, however, commended the political partners who supported his campaign and contributed to his victory.
The statement quoted him as saying, “I commend political partners who went all out to make Saturday a victory day for all Osun people. But we must clarify for the sake of history that ADC was never part of the alliance.
“Now that the election is over, I am a governor of all Osun people irrespective of political groups, religion or race.”
Meanwhile, the ADC governorship candidate, Dr Najeem Salaam, commended members of the party for their courage and commitment throughout the election campaign.
Salaam, in a statement he personally signed and obtained by The Telegraph on Tuesday, also appreciated former governor Rauf Aregbesola and the people of Osun State, saying the outcome of the election would not diminish his commitment to the state’s development.
“I sincerely appreciate every one of you for your courage, steadfastness and unwavering belief throughout this journey. Against all odds, we walked, we talked, and we stood together. We did so not merely for political power, but because we genuinely believe in the development, progress and future of Osun State,” he said.
He thanked Osun residents for participating in the election and giving the ADC an opportunity to present its vision, adding that their choices must be respected.
Salaam also praised Aregbesola, describing him as a “great political strategist, mobiliser and courageous leader” whose experience and support strengthened the party’s campaign.
The Telegraph reports that Adeleke was declared winner of the election by the State Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joshua Ogunwole, on Sunday.
Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes.
