#OsunDecides2026: Student group hails Tinubu, congratulates Adeleke on gov poll win

The National Association of University Students (NAUS) has lauded President Bola Tinubu for his contribution to Nigeria's democratic process during the recent Osun State governorship election. The student group also congratulated the incumbent Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the election, urging him to utilize his new mandate to enhance the lives of young people and residents throughout the state.

In a statement released by NAUS's National President, Meshach Nwankwo, the group highlighted Tinubu's decision to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to carry out its constitutional responsibilities, as a demonstration of democratic leadership. Nwankwo emphasized that Tinubu's actions strengthened confidence in Nigeria's democratic process, regardless of political party, personal interests, or partisan advantage.

The NAUS also praised INEC, electoral officials, security agencies, political parties, and candidates for their participation in the election, as well as the people of Osun State for exercising their democratic rights. The organization noted the transparency provided by the result-uploading and collation process, particularly the use of the INEC Result Viewing Portal, which allowed citizens to follow the electoral process.

The NAUS congratulated Adeleke, the candidate of the Accord Party, on his win, noting that he won 19 out of the state's 30 local government areas. The election's significance for Adeleke was highlighted as he contested under the Accord Party after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he had won the 2022 election. The NAUS urged Adeleke to focus on education, human capital development, and youth inclusion in his second-term agenda.

The association also called for peaceful acceptance of the election outcome and urged political actors to pursue legitimate grievances through constitutional and legal channels.