Osun Election: I have forgiven those who offended me — Adeleke

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, says he has forgiven everyone that offended him during the governorship election campaign.

Governor Adeleke spoke when he received the Certificate of Return at the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, state office in Osogbo on Wednesday.

Adeleke said, “All the people that offended me, I have forgiven them. The good Lord has fought my battle and I have overcome.”

He also appealed to his fellow contestants to join hands with him to move Osun State forward.

The governor also promised scholarships for the children of those who lost their lives during the electoral process.

The governor appreciated INEC and declared himself the governor of all.

The Certificate of Return was presented to Adeleke following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.

Meanwhile, the Osun INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, described the presentation as a solemn constitutional milestone in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Babalola said election remains the most visible expression of a democratic government.

“The significance of the occasion carried greater meaning for the people of Osun State. The governorship election was a successful democratic exercise in which all stakeholders played important roles,” Babalola added.

She commended the security agencies for their coordination and efforts in providing what she described as a free atmosphere for citizens to exercise their franchise.

The REC also praised the media for its role in countering fake news, misinformation and disinformation during the electoral process. She equally commended traditional rulers and community leaders for their contributions.

Babalola praised the people of Osun State for their interest in making their votes count, as well as INEC staff for their professionalism and resilience throughout the electoral process.

She disclosed that the election recorded a 43.2 per cent voter turnout, describing the figure as a testament to the participation of the people of the state in the democratic process.

“The presentation of the Certificate of Return means that democracy has come to stay in our country,” Babalola said.

She congratulated Governor Adeleke and his deputy and urged them to continue serving the people.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, the INEC National Commissioner for the South-West, described the occasion as a significant day for democracy in Osun State and Nigeria, congratulating Adeleke on his victory at the poll.

Ajayi said the people of Osun State had refused to surrender their democratic rights to fear and intimidation. He stressed that INEC remained committed to conducting free, fair and conclusive elections.

He also called on political parties to invest more in educating their agents on electoral procedures.