President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered a pointed political reminder to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, following his victory in the August 15 governorship election, telling him that winning an election should not be mistaken for conquering an enemy camp. At a meeting with Adeleke at the State House, Tinubu urged the governor to use his renewed mandate to unite Osun rather than turn political opponents into permanent targets. “You did not conquer anybody. You won the election. That is the essence of democracy,” the President said.
The Governor Won, But Apparently Did Not Capture A Kingdom
In what sounded like a gentle presidential correction delivered with the seriousness of a national political lesson, Tinubu reminded Adeleke that elections are about public mandates, not military conquest. The message arrives after an intensely contested Osun campaign that featured sharp exchanges between Adeleke’s camp and the opposition, including disagreements over security, political violence and the role of federal influence in the election.
The humorous part of the matter is that Adeleke may have secured another four years in office, but according to the President, there is no imaginary map of conquered territories waiting to be drawn in Osun. Tinubu instead challenged him to see victory as a responsibility to everyone, including those who did not vote for him. The President specifically called for reconciliation, unity and stability across the state.
Tinubu Wants Victory Without Political Victims
The President’s advice also carries political weight because Adeleke’s relationship with Tinubu has been an unusual feature of the Osun political landscape. Adeleke has repeatedly endorsed Tinubu for another presidential term in 2027, even while political disputes involving the governor and other figures within the ruling political structure have continued. In March, Adeleke said, “We have no problem with President Tinubu,” while reaffirming his support for the President.
Following his latest victory, Adeleke himself called for peace and reconciliation, saying there was no victor or vanquished and extending an olive branch to his fellow contestants. He also thanked Tinubu for what he described as strong support for a free and fair election and again endorsed the President for 2027. The political comedy, therefore, appears to have reached the stage where yesterday’s rivals may be expected to shake hands, smile for the cameras and behave as though the campaign season never happened.
The bigger issue, however, is what happens after the celebration. Bola Ahmed has made it clear that Adeleke’s second-term mandate should be measured not by how loudly victory is celebrated but by how effectively the governor brings Osun together. OGM News NG will continue to watch the political developments surrounding Adeleke, Tinubu and Osun State as the new political chapter unfolds.
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