By Ayorinde Oluokun
The candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) in last Saturday’s Osun governorship election, Najeem Salaam has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke for emerging victorious at the poll, while affirming that ‘the choice of the people must prevail’.
Salaam came distant third in the election with 17,180 votes while Adeleke who contested on the platform of Accord was victorious with 511,067 votes.
Bola Oyebamiji of the APC came second with a total vote count of 444,815.
While reacting to the outcome of the election, Salaam, in s statement published on his social media handles congratulated Adeleke on his re-election as the Governor of Osun State.
He further noted that the choice of the people in the election must be respected.
Salaam also advised Adeleke to use the opportunity of his second term to reflect on where he might have fallen short in meeting the expectations of the people of Osun State and to make amends during his second tenure.
“Governance is a continuous process, and every administration has areas that require reflection, correction and improvement,” the ADC governorship candidate said.
His statement partly reads: “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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“Once again, congratulations, Your Excellency. May your second term bring greater development, peace and prosperity to the good people of Osun State.
“Politics is not a do-or-die affair. The people have spoken; democracy has prevailed.
