Tinubu to Adeleke - Don't Shame Your Opponents

Tinubu advises Adeleke not to shame opponents after Osun poll win, says victory is democracy at work, not conquest.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to be magnanimous in victory and avoid shaming his political opponents.

The President gave the advice when the governor visited him at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.

Tinubu said the Osun governorship election was a clear expression of the will of the people, not a personal conquest.

He told Adeleke to see his victory as a call to serve, not a chance to attack those who contested against him.

According to the President, the people of Osun have spoken. He said their message is simple. They want Adeleke to return and lead.

"Do not stigmatize any of your opponents. The people of Osun State have delivered their judgment in your favour, indicating their desire for you to lead. Therefore, you are returning to govern," Tinubu said.

The President stressed that democracy thrives when winners celebrate fairly and losers are not humiliated.

He noted that anyone who cannot rejoice over a free and fair election does not deserve the joy that democracy brings.

Tinubu warned the governor not to make any individual a victim of his campaign.

He said the governor must think beyond politics and focus on unity for the sake of Osun and future generations.

"As I mentioned, you did not conquer anyone. You won an election. This is the essence of democracy. I am pleased that we had this discussion," he added.

The President also charged Adeleke to show gratitude to Osun people through action, not just words and celebration.

He urged him to broaden his vision and deliver inclusive governance.

Tinubu used his own journey as an example. He said his emergence as President was by divine providence and the will of God, not by human cleverness.

He said the same applies to Adeleke. According to him, it was God and the people of Osun that placed him in office.

"It is solely the support of the people, not their cleverness. It is the will of God that has prevailed, along with the wishes of the people for you," Tinubu stated.

He described Adeleke as being in a unique position to make history in Osun State.

He advised him to use the opportunity to foster unity, peace and stability across the state.

The President also commended the governor's campaign style, saying he showed a progressive instinct and was able to mobilize effectively.

"What you are currently doing reflects a progressive instinct. You have effectively mobilized with your efforts," Tinubu said.