Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has finally overcome the biggest obstacle to his dream as he was declared the winner of the Osun State governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

On Saturday, the PDP governorship candidate achieved a hard-fought victory over the incumbent governor, Gboyega Oyetola, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded governorship election in Osun state.

The 62-year-old Adeleke secured 403,371 votes – 28,344 more than his closest rival, the incumbent governor, Governor Oyetola who polled 375,027 votes.

It was enough for the Returning Officer of the election, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, to declare him winner and governor-elect.

“I declare that Adeleke Ademola Jackson Nurudeen of PDP, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and he is returned elected,” Professor Ogundipe declared, sparking jubilation among Adeleke’s supporters and admirers.

The election had no fewer than 15 contestants with the rematch of Oyetola and Adeleke drawing the most attention.

As the results from the local governments trickled in, it was clear that the election which was generally considered peaceful was a two-horse race between both men.

They split 96.76 percent of the total valid votes cast in the election.

Kehinde Atanda of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) came in at a distant third with 10,104 votes, followed by Akin Ogunbiyi of the Accord Party with 4,515 votes.

Votes for the other candidates are as follows: Akinade Ogunbiyi, A party — 4,514 votes; Awojide Segun, AAC — 2,148; Kehinde Atanda, ADP -10,104; Awoyemi Lukuman, APM — 1,222; and Adebayo Elisha, APP — 601 votes.

Adeleke Adedapo of BP got 374 votes; Rasaq Saliu, NNPP — 393; Abede Samuel, NRM — 777; Ayowole Adedeji, PRP — 1,007; Omigbodun Akinrinola, SDP — 515; Ademola Adeseye, YPP — 1,303; and Adesuyi Olufemi, ZLP — 364 votes.