The African Democratic Congress, ADC, governorship candidate in the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, Dr Najeem Salaam, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, saying the decision of the electorate must be respected by all political actors.
Salaam, in a congratulatory message personally addressed to Adeleke, said the fundamental purpose of democratic elections was to allow citizens to freely choose their leaders.
He noted that once voters had made their choice, contestants and their supporters should accept the outcome and work towards preserving peace and democratic values.
“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,” he said.
The former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly said the election had also demonstrated the inevitable nature of winners and losers in any democratic contest.
“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,” Salaam said.
While congratulating Adeleke, the ADC candidate urged the governor to use his renewed mandate to assess areas where his administration could improve and build on its achievements.
He advised Adeleke to consolidate existing gains while addressing shortcomings, stressing that effective governance required continuous assessment and adjustment.
“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.
“Governance is a continuous process, and every administration has areas that require reflection, correction and improvement,” he said.
Salaam further called on the governor to administer the state without discrimination, regardless of political affiliation or previous differences.
“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 added.
The ADC candidate’s message comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Adeleke the winner of the August 15 governorship election.
Osun election: ADC’s Najeem Salaam congratulates Adeleke, urges respect for people’s mandate