The winner of the Osun West Senatorial by-election in Osun State, Ademola Adeleke has received his certificate of return. The Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Adedeji Soyebi presented the certificate to him in Abuja Tuesday
Soyebi said the commission would continue to improve on the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in the country. Adeleke, who ran on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was the younger brother to the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke.
The INEC commissioner commended the people of Osun South West for conducting themselves orderly in the election.He advised the citizens to always create the enabling environment for peaceful elections for the commission.
Meanwhile, his opponent has congratulated him for the victory. He said the late Isiaka, whom he stepped down for, was one of the party leaders in the state, adding that the senatorial district has a track record of robust representation in the Senate.
“I congratulate him and wish him a successful term in office. It is my sincere hope that the winner will maintain the tradition of representing our constituency and our people well.
“The outcome of the election no doubt, was a surprise to me, our political party and my teeming supporters, but we take it in good faith. The people have made a choice and as a democrat, I respect their choice,” he said.
Soyebi said: “Osun people conducted themselves in a peaceful, friendly and ideal atmosphere for elections. They have set a standard for others to emulate. The people of Osun have shown to us how elections should be conducted.”
Adeleke, on his part commended INEC for conducting the election in a free, fair and credible manner and the people for their overwhelming support.
He, however, said he was reflecting on the result and would consult widely with the people to understand why the outcome went that way, for his party to be better prepared for subsequent elections.