The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as a “statesmanlike role” in balancing his responsibilities as leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with his position as the nation’s president during the Osun State governorship election.
The forum also congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, expressing confidence that he would consolidate the achievements of his first term and continue to serve the interests of the people of Osun State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, attributed Adeleke’s victory in the keenly contested election partly to his “strides and personality.”
The governors also commended the people of Osun State for their strong participation in the election, saying the high level of interest in the off-cycle poll reflected the resilience of Nigeria’s democracy.
“The Forum acknowledges the incredibly important role that opposition parties also play in shaping our democracy, and we commend all the candidates for their efforts,” the statement said.
The NGF further praised security agencies for their role in preventing a possible escalation of violence in the days leading up to the election.
According to the forum, the security agencies helped provide a safe environment that enabled voters to exercise their franchise without major incidents.
The governors particularly highlighted President Tinubu’s conduct during the election, noting that he successfully balanced his role as APC leader with his broader responsibility as president and “father of the nation.”
“Finally, we acknowledge the statesmanlike role that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has played as he carefully balanced his position as the leader of the ruling party on the one hand and the father of the nation on the other,” the NGF said.
The forum expressed optimism that Adeleke would build on his first-term record during his second tenure.
“We are confident that HE Ademola Adeleke will continue to build on the successes of his first term in the overall interest of the people of Osun State,” it added.
