Candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the Osun State governorship election, Najeem Salaam, on Sunday, congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, saying the outcome of the poll showed that democracy had prevailed.
Salaam, in a congratulatory message to Adeleke, said the choice of the people must be respected, regardless of political differences.
According to him, “I warmly congratulate His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election as the Governor of Osun State. At the end of the day, the choice of the people must prevail. In any democratic process, there will always be choices, contestation and differing views, but what matters most is that the people are given the opportunity to decide. Today, they have exercised that right, and their decision deserves our respect and support.”
The ADC flagbearer said the election was a reminder that there would always be a winner in every political contest, stressing that political differences should not threaten peace and unity in the state.
“The outcome of this election is a reminder that, in every contest, there will always be a winner. Today, the people have spoken, and their choice must be respected. As Omoluabi, we must understand that politics is not a do-or-die affair. Political differences should never become reasons to threaten our peace, unity or brotherhood,” he said.
Salaam urged Adeleke to use his second term to reflect on areas where his administration had fallen short, while consolidating on its achievements.
“Your Excellency, as you commence another term in office, I urge you to use this mandate as an opportunity to reflect on the areas where your administration may have fallen short, improve upon them and consolidate on the gains already recorded,” he said.
Salaam added that governance was a continuous process and every administration had areas requiring “reflection, correction and improvement.”
He also called on the governor to work for the benefit of all residents of the state, irrespective of party affiliation.
“Osun belongs to all of us. Beyond party lines and political differences, our collective responsibility is to build a state where every citizen can live with dignity, security and hope for a better future,” he said.
He wished Adeleke a successful second term, saying it should bring “greater development, peace and prosperity” to the people of Osun State.
“Politics is not a do-or-die affair. The people have spoken; democracy has prevailed,” Salaam said.
Adeleke of the Accord party emerged victorious in the Osun State governorship election, securing a total of 511,067 votes.
His closest challenger, the All Progressives Congress candidate, polled 444,815 votes, while the African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam, secured 17,180 votes.
