President Bola Tinubu has urged Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to use his second-term victory to promote reconciliation, unity and stability, warning him against victimising or stigmatising political opponents.
Tinubu spoke on Thursday when Adeleke visited him at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to express appreciation for the President’s role in the August 15 governorship election.
Adeleke had repeatedly praised Tinubu for ensuring what he described as a level playing field during the election.
The President, while congratulating Adeleke, urged him to see his victory as an opportunity to unite the people of Osun and focus on governance.
“All for reconciliation, expand your coast. That is the only way you can give thanks to our people. Not the way you sang it or celebrated it. It’s the way you act it,” Tinubu said.
He urged the governor to promote democracy, the rule of law and peaceful coexistence, stressing that winning an election did not amount to defeating political opponents.
“You are in a very unique position to make history, promote unity, peace and stability. Use it. You did a very good mobilisation with your team. Very good job.
“Promote democracy. Promote stability. Promote the rule of law. Don’t stigmatise any of your opponents. You did not conquer anybody; you won the election. That is the essence of democracy,” he said.
Tinubu also advised Adeleke to broaden his administration’s support base and govern for all Osun residents irrespective of their political affiliations.
According to the President, Adeleke’s priorities should include providing infrastructure, rehabilitating schools and hospitals, strengthening healthcare delivery, training teachers and health workers, and protecting vulnerable citizens.
Tinubu also criticised calls for the reversal of some of his administration’s economic reforms.
Referring to a recent promise by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, to restore fuel subsidy if elected in 2027, Tinubu described the proposal as evidence of what he called a poor understanding of Nigeria’s economic situation.
“I saw one of my opponents now say he will go back to subsidy. I read it. That is a demonstration of serious ignorance on governance and the economy,” he said.
Tinubu said that before his administration assumed office, several states struggled to meet their salary and pension obligations, while many relied heavily on federal allocations.
Earlier, Adeleke told State House correspondents that his visit was primarily to thank Tinubu for allowing a free and fair election in Osun.
“I am here to thank Mr President, the father of the nation, because he fought for this democracy. That is why he allowed a free and fair election, and that is the result.
“That is why I am here, to say thank you and to ensure that democracy lives in Nigeria,” Adeleke said.
A major highlight of the visit was Adeleke’s symbolic presentation of his Certificate of Return to Tinubu.
Adeleke secured a second four-year term after polling 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes.
The election was largely peaceful, with observers commending the process for its credibility and transparency.
