I congratulate my dear brother and friend, Governor Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election as Governor of Osun State.

The people of Osun have spoken, and they have spoken clearly. They have had four years to judge the record of his stewardship, to weigh the promises against the performance, and they have asked him to continue. There can be no greater vote of confidence for a leader than the freely expressed verdict of the people he serves.

I also commend the good people of Osun State who came out to vote and, importantly, remained vigilant in defence of their votes.

At a time when there are legitimate concerns about the strength and credibility of our democratic institutions, every election in which the will of the people is freely expressed, faithfully counted and ultimately respected is an important victory for our democracy.

Governor Adeleke now begins a second term with the benefit, and indeed the responsibility, of a renewed mandate. I wish him well, and I trust that he will use the next four years to deepen the work already begun, justify the confidence of the people of Osun, and leave behind a stronger and more prosperous state.

Congratulations, my brother.