The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has put voter turnout in the recently concluded Osun State governorship election at 43.2 per cent, while congratulating Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory.

INEC also urged the governor to be magnanimous in victory and work towards uniting the people of the state.

Speaking after the declaration of the results, the INEC National Supervising Commissioner for Osun State, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, described the election as a significant occasion for democracy and the people of Osun.

Ajayi congratulated Adeleke and commended voters across the state for turning out to exercise their civic responsibility despite tensions and incidents of violence recorded in the build-up to the election.

He said the participation of voters demonstrated the resilience and determination of the people of Osun to sustain democratic governance.

The commissioner stressed that INEC conducted the election in line with its constitutional mandate and was committed to upholding democratic principles rather than supporting any particular candidate.

INEC had earlier declared Adeleke the winner of the keenly contested governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

The electoral body said Adeleke won 19 of the 30 local government areas in the state, while his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), won 11 local government areas.

Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) finished a distant third.

According to the final results announced by INEC, Adeleke polled 511,067 votes, while Oyebamiji secured 444,815 votes, giving the incumbent governor a winning margin of 66,252 votes.

The result effectively secured Adeleke a second term in office.

INEC said the relatively moderate turnout underscored the need for continued efforts by stakeholders to encourage greater voter participation and strengthen confidence in the electoral process.

The commission also called on political actors and supporters to accept the outcome peacefully and prioritise the stability and development of Osun State.