Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Monday expressed optimism about securing a second term in office, saying divine support and the backing of the people would see him through the 2026 governorship election.

The governor spoke at a New Year interfaith prayer session held at the State Secretariat, Osogbo, attended by labour leaders, religious authorities and senior public servants.

Reflecting on his three years in office, Adeleke said his administration had navigated several challenges and would similarly overcome obstacles ahead of the August 8, 2026 election.

According to him, faith and resilience had remained central to his leadership journey since assuming office.

“Our God has been our sustainer and defender from the beginning. He has fought our battles and continues to do so. Those who rise against us are confronted by a higher power,” the governor said.

Adeleke described his administration as a product of divine grace, noting that challenges once considered insurmountable had been overcome.

“We are living proof that God rules in the affairs of men. As He remains the same yesterday, today and forever, we shall continue to prevail,” he added.

The governor highlighted what he described as people-oriented policies implemented by his administration, saying tangible progress had been recorded across key sectors of the state.

He listed interventions for senior citizens, support for the poor and vulnerable, rehabilitation of roads and bridges, artisans’ empowerment programmes, as well as reforms in education and healthcare.

Adeleke also said his government was gradually clearing inherited salary and pension arrears, despite doubts expressed by critics.

“Even under very difficult circumstances, we are addressing half-salary payments and pension backlogs which some claimed were impossible to resolve. We have ensured that Osun resources work for Osun people while creating a more enabling environment for investors,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Osun State, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, declared labour’s readiness to support the governor’s re-election, assuring that workers would vote massively for Adeleke in the forthcoming poll.

Religious leaders at the event also offered prayers for the state.

The Chief Imam of Osogbo, Sheikh Musa Animasaun, and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, Dr John Adeleke, commended the governor’s public display of faith and prayed for divine wisdom to guide his administration and the electoral process.