Tinubu's Restraint Aided Adeleke's Osun Victory, Says Imumolen

Prof Chris Imumolen, a former presidential candidate of the Accord Party, asserted that President Bola Tinubu's restraint played a significant role in Governor Ademola Adeleke's victory in the Osun governorship election held on August 15. Imumolen criticized claims that Tinubu did not support Adeleke, labeling them as "ungrateful and pretentious." He emphasized that Tinubu's democratic restraint, which included not deploying state power against Adeleke, was crucial for the election's credibility.

Adeleke, representing the Accord Party, secured 511,067 votes, defeating Bola Oyebamiji of the APC, who garnered 444,815 votes, while Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress received 17,180 votes. Imumolen noted that Tinubu's neutrality, especially given the political sensitivity of the election involving his own party, was rare in contemporary African politics.

He highlighted that Tinubu's decision not to intimidate the opposition allowed voters to make their choices freely, enhancing the electoral process's integrity.