President Bola Tinubu congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory in the governorship election before the final result was formally declared, according to Accord Party chieftain, Pelumi Olajengbesi.

Pelumi Olajengbesi disclosed this while speaking with journalists at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation centre in Osogbo shortly after Adeleke was declared winner.

He commended President Tinubu for what he described as his decision not to interfere with the electoral process, saying it showed the President was committed to his promise that the election would be free, fair and credible.

However, Olajengbesi said the election, while credible, could not be described as entirely free and fair, alleging that opposition supporters were subjected to oppression and arrests during the electoral process.

“Let me be honest with you, we are also appreciative of Mr. President because at the commencement of this election, Mr. President himself announced to the world and gave a directive to INEC and all security agencies that this election must be free, fair, and credible.

“We want to believe that this election is very credible, but we do not agree that this election is free and fair because it was oppressive. Our people are still in detention. As I speak to you today, even during the election, over 11 persons were arrested in the process.”

Despite the allegations, Olajengbesi praised Tinubu for allowing the electoral process to continue and respecting the outcome.

“We are glad that the president was able to stand by his word and insist that the right thing must be done,” he said.

He then disclosed that Tinubu had reached out to Adeleke to congratulate him even before the final result was announced.

“Let me tell you this quickly: even before the result was declared yesterday night, Mr. President called Mr. Governor and congratulated him, and that is good leadership,” he said.

Adeleke won the election with 511,067 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 444,815 votes.

The outcome secured Adeleke another term as governor of Osun State.