By Osaretin Osadebamwen
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has attributed his emergence as Nigeria’s President and the election of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to the will of God, urging the governor to use his position to promote unity, peace, stability and democracy.
Tinubu spoke when Adeleke visited him at the Presidential Villa in Abuja following his victory in the Osun State governorship election.
The President told Adeleke that political office should not be viewed merely as the product of individual political calculations or the efforts of supporters, stressing that divine providence ultimately determines who occupies positions of authority.
“You can give thanks to some people. Not the way you sang it or celebrate it. It’s the way you act it,” Tinubu said.
Reflecting on his own political journey, the President added: “Use me as an example, and I got here. God put me here.”
Tinubu similarly told Adeleke: “Where you are today, God put you there.”
He said political supporters and their efforts should not be regarded as the sole reason for electoral victories, adding: “Not the smartness of any of these people. It’s just their support. Not their smartness.”
According to Tinubu, the outcome of political contests ultimately reflects both divine will and the decision of the electorate.
“It’s the wish of God that prevailed, and the wish of the people followed,” he said.
The President urged Adeleke to regard his victory and current position as an opportunity to create a lasting legacy.
“And you are in a very, very unique position to make history,” Tinubu told the governor.
He encouraged Adeleke to deploy his position towards fostering peaceful coexistence and national stability.
“Promote unity, peace, and stability. Use it,” Tinubu said.
The President also acknowledged Adeleke’s political struggles, telling him: “You suffered, you screamed,” while urging him to transform those experiences into a commitment to democratic governance.
Tinubu concluded his appeal by asking the governor to strengthen democratic values and respect the rule of law.
“Promote democracy, promote stability, promote rule of law. Don’t stigmatize,” he said.
The meeting followed Adeleke’s victory in the Osun governorship election, which has generated significant political interest and renewed discussions about the strength of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
