“You Didn’t Conquer Anybody” — Tinubu Tells Adeleke In Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has advised Governor Ademola Adeleke to avoid shaming his political rivals following the outcome of the state’s recent electoral process.

Tinubu shared this perspective while hosting the governor at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, noting that Adeleke achieved an electoral victory rather than a conquest.

“Don’t stigmatise any of your opponents,” he told the governor. “And the people of Osun State pronounced their judgment on you that they love you, they want you to govern. So you’re going back to govern.

According to him, anyone who fails to appreciate a transparent and fair electoral process does not appreciate the true joy and fulfillment found in democracy.

“Anybody, any democrat, anybody in the political environment who cannot celebrate the joy of a free and fair election does not deserve the laughter and the happiness of democracy.

“Don’t make a single individual a victim of your campaign. Don’t. Not for you alone; not for the sake of Osun alone, for the generations to come. It’s more important for you to build a network of unity.

“As I said, you did not conquer anybody. You won an election. That is the essence of democracy. I’m so happy that we have this talk,” Tinubu added.

Tinubu further emphasized that the proper way for the governor to express gratitude to the electorate is by broadening his reach, “not the way you sang it or celebrate it,” but through his actual conduct.

“Use me as an example. And I got here. God put me here. Where you are today, God put you there. Not the smartness of any of these people.

“It’s just their support, not their smartness.

“It’s the wish of God that prevailed and the wish of the people for you,” the President told Adeleke.

The President noted that the governor currently holds a “very unique position to make history”.

“Promote unity, peace and stability,” he added.

In addition, Tinubu commended Adeleke for demonstrating a progressive mindset throughout his campaign journey.

“All you’re doing now is progressive instinct. And you did a very good mobilisation with your team — very good job,” he said. “You saw fear, you screamed. Promote democracy, promote stability, promote rule of law.