The Nafiu Bala Gombe-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election in the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The party also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what it described as a credible and transparent conduct of the poll.
In a statement signed by Gombe, the ADC leadership described Adeleke’s victory as well-deserved, saying the outcome represented the will of the people of the state.
Gombe said: “The authentic and legitimate leadership of the African Democratic Congress [ADC], under the tutelage of Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, heartily congratulates His Excellency, Governor Nuruddeen Ademola Adeleke, on his well-deserved re-election as Governor of Osun State.
“We note that this victory reinforces democratic values, deepens constitutional governance and reflects the sovereign will of the good people of Osun State.
“We also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] for its diligence and commitment to delivering a free, fair, and credible election in Osun State. The transparent exercise in which the election was conducted is a clear testament to INEC’s independence and its role as an impartial electoral umpire.”
However, the ADC leadership attributed the party’s poor showing in the election to the emergence of what it called an unpopular candidate imposed by members of the coalition group operating under the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee.
Gombe said the development alienated voters and negatively affected the party’s chances at the poll.
“However, for the purpose of clarity and public record, the ADC wishes to state that the party’s poor performance in the just concluded election was a direct consequence of imposition of a candidate by members of the coalition group operating under the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee [NWC].
“The presentation of an unpopular candidate alienated the electorate and undermined the party’s prospects.
“We wish to reassure Nigerians that the ADC, under our leadership, is fully repositioned. We will mobilize effectively and present credible and formidable candidates in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.”
The party further congratulated the people of Osun State for exercising their democratic rights and pledged to continue contributing to efforts aimed at strengthening democracy and constitutional governance in Nigeria.
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless the African Democratic Congress,” Gombe added.
