OSOGBO – The Because Of Our Tomorrow Party (BOOT Party) governorship candidate in the recent Osun State election, Prince Adesoji Masilo Adeleke, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring a level playing field for all parties. He also urged Nigerians to back the President’s re-election in 2027.
Masilo spoke in Osogbo and on a television programme in the state capital. He said the President’s commitment to democratic values and the independence of the electoral process has strengthened confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
“All 15 governorship candidates were placed on the same level of playground, including his political party APC without bias,” he said. “This allowed Osun State electorates to elect the best candidates of their choice out of us the contestants, and that is the beauty of democracy.”
The former candidate also thanked all stakeholders for the peaceful conduct of the poll. He said the people of the state generally accepted the election. He then urged stakeholders to keep peace, unity and development above partisan interests.
Masilo commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Chairman, Prof Amupitan. He reserved special praise for the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barrister (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Oluwayemisi Babalola. “This was the first time a woman served as Osun State REC, and she proved that what men can do, women can do better,” he said. “As a career INEC officer, she understood all it takes to run elections. That knowledge produced a successful governorship election on 15th August 2026.”
He said no argument arose during the collation of results, right through to the declaration of His Excellency, Senator Dr Ademola Adeleke, as winner. “Therefore, I encourage other state governors to nominate INEC staff from their respective states as REC nominees,” he said. He also urged INEC to sustain the momentum so the coming general elections are free, fair, credible and widely acceptable, without rancour and acrimony.
The candidate appreciated the Kukah Centre for its peaceful role, which it played alongside the Catholic Church and other NGOs in Osun State. He thanked Islamic leaders, led by Sheik Animashaun, the Osun State Grand Imam. He also thanked traditional religious leaders, especially Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon, and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Osun State chapter. He did not forget the royal fathers of the state.
Masilo further appreciated all media houses, including the broadcasters, for their fair and timely coverage of the election. He also thanked Agba Osun State and the Zonal Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) in Ibadan, Oyo State. In addition, he thanked all security agencies. He said their professionalism helped keep the poll peaceful.
Masilo, the South West Zonal Director of Mobilization of the National Coalition for The Reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu PBAT for second Tenure, voiced strong optimism about President Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 general elections. He cited the administration’s reforms, improved security and nationwide support. “Baba Tinubu’s re-election is inevitable,” he said. “He will win because of the people-centred programmes and the massive support he has received from different parts of the country.”
The Boot Party chieftain argued that Nigerians should give the President time to complete his economic agenda. He said Tinubu has positioned the country for prosperity. Support for his return, he added, would let the President consolidate the reforms and pave the way for lasting socio-economic development.
Masilo pointed to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one example of the government’s impact. He said the programme has helped many parents who could not afford to finance higher education for their children. Moreover, he believes it will reduce school dropout rates and transform the education sector.
He also spoke about the President’s record over the last three and a half years. In his view, Tinubu has shown real capacity. He said the economic reforms have helped state governments tackle monthly debt obligations and ease the persistent borrowing used to pay workers’ salaries. Furthermore, the removal of the fuel subsidy has improved the finances of many state governments and Local Governments in Nigeria.
Masilo also turned to the leadership of Osun State’s local governments. “I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to do the needful on who are supposed to be the legally elected Chairmen and Councillors of Osun State Local Governments as soon as he returns from his leave to Nigeria,” he said.
On the election outcome, Masilo addressed the parties that approached the tribunal. He described their attempts as unnecessary and said observers had adjudged the poll free, fair, credible and acceptable. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the constitution gives aggrieved parties the right to challenge the result if they feel dissatisfied. He cautioned, however, that such legal actions could waste time and resources if the parties do not consider them properly.
Masilo then appealed to residents of Osun State to remain peaceful throughout the process leading to the general elections and after them. He stressed that desperation, harassment, provocation and intimidation can never determine electoral victory. Instead, he said, voters and candidates should let the ballots and the will of the people decide.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to rally behind the President’s transformation agenda. He described it as a collective project for national progress. He added that every citizen has a role to play, and he called on people across party lines to work together for the country’s growth.
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