By, Olawale Ogunbusola, Ibadan.

Former Minister of Interior and Osun chieftain, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election in the August 15 governorship poll, saying the result reflects the sovereign will of the people of Osun and must be respected.

In a statement on Monday, Aregbesola said elections are moments when citizens exercise their right to choose their leaders, and urged the governor to see the victory as a renewed mandate to unite the state and deepen development.

The former governor also commended the people of Osun for their participation and political sophistication during the election. He appealed to all political actors, supporters and citizens to allow the state to move forward in peace and unity.

He called on Adeleke to govern with fairness, humility and a strong sense of responsibility to all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation.

Aregbesola, a leader in the African Democratic Congress, reserved special praise for members of the ADC in Osun and the party’s candidate, Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam, popularly known as IWALOYE. He said he was proud of their steadfastness, courage and commitment in the face of enormous political pressure and a competitive electoral environment.

He noted that ADC members stood firm, worked tirelessly and remained loyal to the candidate and the ideals that brought them together, demonstrated through months of sacrifice, mobilisation and peaceful participation.

He added that Dr. Salaam conducted himself with dignity and that his campaign represented the conviction that politics should be about ideas, competence, character and service.

The former minister commended Salaam for receiving the election outcome with maturity and for placing the peace and unity of Osun above personal ambition.

“Although the result was not what the ADC hoped for, the party’s commitment to the future of the state must not end with an election.”, he said.

Aregbesola urged ADC members, supporters and volunteers to hold their heads high, preserve the bonds built during the campaign, and continue to engage constructively, speak for the people and hold government accountable.

He also called on Governor Adeleke to extend the hand of fellowship to all political tendencies and make his second term one of greater inclusion and reconciliation.

“To the ADC family, let us remain united, disciplined and hopeful. Political journeys are often longer than individual electoral contests. Power is responsibility,” he concluded.