Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi have congratulated Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as governor of Osun State.

The two opposition leaders separately reacted to Adeleke’s victory in the governorship election in posts on their X accounts, commending the electorate and highlighting the significance of the poll to Nigeria’s democracy.

Atiku described Adeleke’s victory as a reflection of the choice of the people expressed through the ballot.

“I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as Governor of Osun State. His victory demonstrates the choice of the people of Osun as expressed at the ballot box,” Atiku said.

He also commended the electorate for their peaceful participation in the election and wished Adeleke success in his second term.

“I commend the people for their passion and peaceful participation. I wish Governor Adeleke continued success as he continues to serve them,” he added.

Obi, in a statement titled, “Osun: When the People Stand, Democracy Wins,” said the election demonstrated the power of citizens to determine their leaders.

He said Adeleke’s performance and commitment earned him renewed confidence from the electorate, while particularly commending young voters for their vigilance in protecting their votes.

“The lesson from Osun is clear: democracy is strongest when citizens are alert, conscious of their civic responsibility, and determined to ensure that their votes count,” Obi said.

The former Anambra governor urged Nigerians to remain actively involved in future elections by registering, voting and protecting their ballots.

He also called on political actors to prioritise the public interest and embrace peace, stressing that elections should be contests of ideas and competence rather than violence.

“Elections should never be battles of violence, but contests of ideas, competence, character, and service,” he said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke the winner of the election after he polled 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who scored 444,815 votes.