Victorious Governor Ademola Adeleke has said the Supreme Court ruling on the disputed 2022 governorship election in Osun State is the triumph of people’s will over evil forces.
This was as the governor said the ruling was historic and a landmark in the annals of politics in the state.
Adeleke, reacting to the apex court verdict which declared him as the victor over his challenger, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, said the ruling is a landmark development in the history of Osun politics.
As stated in a release by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor spoke while addressing journalists at his Ede country home after the apex court ruling.
Oyetola, the immediate past governor of Osun State and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had challenged the declaration of Adeleke by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the election.
While Oyetola had his way at the election petitions tribunal, the Court of Appeal upheld the INEC decision and declared Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner.
The Supreme Court, sitting in Abuja today, upheld the ruling by the appellate court and affirmed the victory of Adeleke in the governorship election.
Speaking on the ruling, the governor said: “Today is the day our God ordained to stamp his authority as the owner and giver of power.
“Today is that moment when the will of the people ordained by God survives the anti-masses plot of powerful forces.
“We therefore celebrate God Almighty, the author and finisher of our faith.
“We dedicate today’s victory to him, as we finally assume the governorship of this great State of the Living Spring.
“State power is of God and He bestows it on whoever He wills. I will remain God-driven, divinely inspired governing with the fear of God.
“Our governorship is an affirmation that a government of the people, by the people and for the people is possible.
“Our victory is a testimony that people’s will backed by divine will can withstand and survive plots of anti-democratic elements.
“I must therefore express my heartfelt appreciation to the great people of osun state for your deep support. Om behalf of my family and party, I say thank you.
“To the judiciary, Osun has emerged as a moral compass, affirming the integrity of my Lord Justices.
“Your affirmation for truth and people’s will consolidates and strengthens our democracy.
“On behalf of the people of Osun State, we appreciate you and we adore your love for justice and equity.
“To all stakeholders in the osun project, be assured that the revalidation of our mandate is a challenge, a call to duty, a fresh demand for more dividends of democracy.
“I commit myself to an even more expanded delivery of good governance; in me, you will find a truly pro-people governor.
“I seek the support and cooperation of all Osun residents and citizens irrespective of party affiliations. this is our state and we must join hands to develop it;
“My special appreciation goes to my family, my brother, my sister. You are all my strong pillar of support;
“To all Imole and PDP supporters locally and internationally, our victory is validated. Thanks for standing by me.
“My dear good people of Osun State, the good job continues. We shall ramp up the implementation of our five points agenda.
“We shall, as usual, focus on grassroot development and infrastructural revival of our dear state.
“Our policies shall fight poverty, unemployment and under-development. You shall truly feel, taste and dividends of democracy,”, Governor Adeleke said in his reaction to the ruling.
