“You Did Not Conquer Anybody, You Won an Election” – Tinubu Tells Adeleke to Shun Victimisation, Build Unity

President Bola Tinubu has reminded Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, that his electoral victory was not a conquest over his political opponents but a democratic mandate freely given to him by the people of the state.

The President made the remarks on Thursday when Governor Adeleke visited him at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, following the outcome of the Osun gubernatorial election.

In what appeared to be a strong call for humility, reconciliation and political tolerance, Tinubu urged the Osun governor not to stigmatise or victimise any of his opponents, stressing that democracy should bring joy and unity rather than bitterness and division.

According to the President, the outcome of the election was a clear expression of the will of the people of Osun State, who had chosen Adeleke and entrusted him with the responsibility of governing them.

He said, “Don’t stigmatise any of your opponents. 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.

“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’s remarks placed particular emphasis on the responsibility that comes with electoral victory, warning against allowing political differences to translate into persecution or the marginalisation of opponents.

The President maintained that Adeleke’s victory should be seen as an opportunity to unite the people of Osun State and build bridges across political divides.

He further advised the governor that the best way to show appreciation to the people who supported him was through his actions and style of governance, rather than mere celebration of victory.

Tinubu emphasised that the only way Adeleke can appreciate the Osun people is to expand his coast, “not the way you sang it or celebrate it, but the way you act it. 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 meeting at the Presidential Villa comes amid heightened political attention on Osun State, with Tinubu’s message underscoring the need for political leaders to put governance, unity and the collective interest of the people above post-election rivalries.

For Adeleke, the President’s advice was clear: victory at the polls is not a licence to conquer opponents, but a mandate to govern the people and build a stronger, more united Osun State.