The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in the 2026 Osun State election, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, saying the choice of the people must prevail in a democracy.
Salaam, in a congratulatory message issued after the declaration of the election result, said the outcome demonstrated the importance of allowing citizens to freely exercise their democratic rights.
He said, “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.”
The former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly urged political actors and their supporters to respect the outcome of the election, stressing that political differences should not be allowed to threaten peace and unity in the state.
According to him, “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.”
Salaam also urged Adeleke to use his second term to address areas where his administration may have fallen short, while consolidating on what he described as the gains already recorded.
“Governance is a continuous process, and every administration has areas that require reflection, correction and improvement,” he said.
He called on the governor to make the development of Osun State a collective priority beyond partisan interests, saying the state belongs to all its citizens.
“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,” Salaam stated.
He prayed that Adeleke’s second term would bring greater development, peace and prosperity to the people of the state.
“Once again, congratulations, Your Excellency. May your second term bring greater development, peace and prosperity to the good people of Osun State,” he added.
Salaam concluded by urging the people of Osun to embrace the democratic outcome and maintain peace, saying, “Politics is not a do-or-die affair. The people have spoken; democracy has prevailed.”
