Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Monday expressed strong confidence that a blend of divine backing and popular support would guarantee his re-election in the 2026 governorship contest.
Adeleke spoke at a New Year interfaith prayer session held at the State Secretariat in Osogbo, an event that brought together labour leaders, religious figures and public servants, setting an early tone for the political year ahead.
Reflecting on his three years in office, the governor said his administration had weathered daunting challenges and would surmount the hurdles associated with the forthcoming election.
According to him, faith and resilience have remained the bedrock of his leadership journey since assuming office.
“Our God has remained our sustainer, defender and protector. From the very beginning, He has fought our battles for us. Those who rise against us are confronted by a higher power,” Adeleke said.
He described his government as a practical demonstration of divine grace, arguing that obstacles once considered insurmountable had been overcome through perseverance and belief.
“We are living proof that God rules in the affairs of men. Time and again, we have overcome challenges and emerged victorious. As God remains the same yesterday, today and forever, we shall continue to prevail and remain undefeated,” he added.
The governor also reeled out what he described as people-focused achievements of his administration, noting that his government had consistently prioritised policies aimed at improving the welfare of residents across the state.
“From my first day in office, we prioritised programmes that directly impact the lives of our people. Three years on, we have kept faith with Osun residents and honoured our promises,” Adeleke said.
He cited interventions for senior citizens, support for the poor and vulnerable, rehabilitation of roads and bridges, empowerment of artisans, and renewed attention to education and healthcare as key milestones of his tenure.
Addressing lingering concerns over workers’ welfare, Adeleke said his administration was steadily tackling inherited salary and pension arrears, despite initial doubts expressed by critics.
“Under very difficult circumstances, we are addressing half-salary payments and pension backlogs which some claimed were impossible to resolve. We have ensured that Osun resources work for Osun people and created a more enabling environment for investors,” he stated.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Osun State, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, pledged labour’s support for the governor, assuring that workers would vote massively for Adeleke in the August 8, 2026 governorship election.
Religious leaders at the event also offered prayers and goodwill messages. The Chief Imam of Osogbo, Sheikh Musa Animasaun, and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the state, Dr John Adeleke, commended the governor’s open display of faith and prayed for divine wisdom to guide his administration and ease the path to another term in office.
