Former Osun State Governor and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, describing the outcome of Saturday's poll as a decision that must be respected as the will of the people.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Aregbesola said elections give citizens the sovereign right to choose who they wish to entrust with governing responsibility, and that having spoken through the ballot, Osun residents' decision deserves respect.

He extended his best wishes to Adeleke as the governor prepares to begin another term, describing the task ahead as greater than the contest that has just ended.

He urged the governor to treat the outcome as a renewed mandate to unite the state, deepen development and govern with fairness, humility and a strong sense of responsibility to every citizen, regardless of political affiliation.

Aregbesola also commended Osun residents for what he called their political sophistication and appealed to political actors, supporters and citizens across the state to allow it to move forward in peace and unity.

A significant portion of the statement was directed at ADC members in Osun, whom Aregbesola thanked for what he described as their steadfastness, courage and commitment throughout the electoral process, even in the face of intense political pressure.

He singled out the party's candidate, Najeem Salaam, popularly known as Iwaloye, for particular praise, saying Salaam's campaign reflected a tradition built on ideas, competence, character and service rather than personal ambition.

Aregbesola commended Salaam for the maturity with which he received the outcome and for prioritising the peace and unity of Osun over his own political interests.

He acknowledged that the election did not produce the outcome the party had hoped and worked for, but insisted that the ADC's commitment to Osun's future must not end with a single contest.

He said democracy is strengthened when political actors show the courage to compete vigorously, the humility to accept the people's decision, and the wisdom to keep contributing to society afterward.

Addressing party members, volunteers and supporters directly, Aregbesola urged them to hold their heads high for the effort they put into the campaign and to preserve the bonds forged during the process.

He called for continued constructive engagement, advocacy for the people and responsible opposition where necessary, while urging Adeleke to extend what he called the hand of fellowship to all political tendencies and make his next term one of greater inclusion and reconciliation.

He closed the statement by urging ADC members to remain united, disciplined and hopeful, noting that political journeys often outlast individual electoral contests and that the values that brought the party together, including good governance, accountability, justice, competence and service, remain worth pursuing. He wished Adeleke wisdom, good health and success in office, signing off with the phrase "power is responsibility."

Aregbesola, who governed Osun from 2010 to 2018 before later serving as Minister of Interior under President Muhammadu Buhari, has remained a significant political force in the state's Osun-West Senatorial District, and his backing was seen as central to Salaam's candidacy in the just-concluded election.

INEC had earlier declared Adeleke winner with 511,067 votes against Bola Oyebamiji of the APC, who scored 444,815, while Salaam placed third with 17,180 votes.