OSOGBO — The Independent National Electoral Commission has formally handed the Certificate of Return to Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, confirming him as Governor-elect of Osun State after his win in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The ceremony took place in Osogbo and was attended by INEC National Commissioner for Osun, Professor Kunle Ajayi, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, and the commission’s Administrative Secretary in the state, Mrs. Adedolapo Ojo.
Also at the event were Deputy Governor-elect Prince Kola Adewusi, the First Lady of Osun, members of the state executive council, National Assembly members, the Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, representatives of parties and candidates who contested, ICCES members, civil society groups, religious and traditional leaders, and journalists.
The Osun REC, Mrs. Babalola, said the presentation went beyond routine procedure and marked a key constitutional moment in Nigeria’s democracy.
She explained that the exercise followed Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires INEC to issue a Certificate of Return to any candidate duly declared winner.
According to her, the document officially validates the decision made by Osun voters at the polls.
“Election remains the most visible expression of democratic governance. It provides citizens with the opportunity to confer legitimacy, renew public trust and determine the direction of government through constitutional means,” Babalola stated.
She noted that the success of the election was a collective effort, not just INEC’s, pointing to the roles played by political parties, candidates, security operatives, civil society, the media, traditional and religious institutions, and the voters themselves.
Babalola lauded political parties and their candidates for submitting to the will of the electorate, describing it as a sign of commitment to democratic principles.
She gave special recognition to the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security for ensuring order before, during and after the vote.
About 10 security agencies, she said, worked together to create a safe atmosphere for voting.
“Your coordinated efforts before, during and after the election provided the needed security environment necessary for citizens to exercise their franchise freely and peacefully,” she told security personnel.
The REC also applauded security agencies for protecting both the process and the people, and thanked accredited civil society organisations and observers for helping to build public confidence, uphold electoral integrity and deepen democratic progress.
She congratulated Senator Adeleke on his victory and appreciated all parties and candidates for taking part, while expressing INEC’s gratitude to every stakeholder who contributed to a peaceful, credible and successful election.
Other dignitaries recognized during the event included representatives of the DSS, NSCDC, Nigerian Correctional Service, FRSC, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service and other agencies involved in election security and administration.
Prince Kola Adewusi, cabinet members, lawmakers, party leaders, civil society actors and media practitioners were also acknowledged at the ceremony.
