By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the just-concluded Osun State governorship election, Dr Najeem Salaam, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, saying the people have spoken and their decision must be respected.
Salaam, in a congratulatory message personally signed and addressed to Adeleke, said the essence of democratic contests was to give citizens the opportunity to make their choice.
He said once the people had made their decision, all political actors should accept and respect the outcome.
“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 outcome of the election was a reminder that every political contest must produce a winner.
“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.
While congratulating Adeleke on his victory, Salaam urged him to use his renewed mandate to reflect on areas where his administration might have fallen short and improve on them.
He charged the governor to consolidate the gains recorded by his administration, stressing that governance was a continuous process that required regular reflection and improvement.
“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 also urged the governor to govern for the benefit of all residents, irrespective of political 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 added.
The post Osun people have spoken, democracy has prevailed, says ADC candidate Salaam appeared first on Vanguard News.