Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
Dr Deji Adeleke, elder brother of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has attributed his brother’s victory in the 2026 Osun State governorship election to prayers and divine intervention rather than financial strength.
Deji made the statement while speaking at a celebration held in honour of Governor Adeleke following his victory in the election. A video of his remarks was shared on social media on Monday and subsequently reported by PUNCH.
According to the businessman and philanthropist, the Adeleke family did not believe that superior financial resources alone would determine the outcome of the election. Instead, he said he relied heavily on prayer throughout the electoral contest.
‘We Did Not Win Because We Spent More’
Deji said the election was not won because the Adeleke camp was financially stronger than its opponents.
He argued that despite reports of substantial spending by opposition forces, he remained convinced that the final outcome was ultimately in God’s hands.
The businessman recalled that on election day, he became concerned after hearing reports about the amount of money allegedly being spent by opponents and claims that voters were being offered large sums of money.
Rather than respond by attempting to match the alleged spending, Deji said he withdrew to a private corner of his room and prayed.
His prayer, according to his account, was that voters could accept whatever money was being offered to them but still exercise their democratic choice by voting for Ademola Adeleke.
The remarks underline the importance Deji placed on faith throughout the campaign and election period.
Daily Prayers for Ademola
Deji also revealed that his confidence in his brother’s victory was rooted in a personal prayer routine that he maintained throughout the campaign.
According to reports, he said he regularly prayed using passages from the Bible and incorporated his brother’s name into the prayers.
Among the passages he referenced were Psalm 118 and Psalm 121. He said the prayers were part of his private spiritual preparation and were not something he publicly discussed with political associates or family members.
He reportedly prayed repeatedly for Ademola’s protection, success and victory, saying he had no doubt that his brother would overcome the opposition.
On days when he fasted, he said he intensified the prayers.
‘Nobody Is Above God’
Deji also spoke confidently about the political forces that opposed his brother.
He argued that political influence, financial resources and powerful connections could not determine the final outcome when divine intervention was involved.
In his account, even if opponents brought enormous resources to the election, he believed that God remained superior to every political or financial advantage.
The comments come against the backdrop of an intensely contested Osun governorship election in which political parties and their supporters mobilised heavily across the state.
Deji’s comments therefore presented the Adeleke victory from a deeply personal and religious perspective, portraying the result as evidence of his faith in God rather than simply the outcome of campaign machinery.
Election Spending Claims
Deji’s remarks also touched on allegations concerning vote buying during the election.
He referred to reports that opponents had allegedly spent billions of naira and that voters in some locations were allegedly offered as much as ₦50,000.
Those figures were presented by Deji as reports he had heard, rather than independently established figures in the report.
His broader argument was that financial inducements could not necessarily guarantee electoral victory because voters ultimately retained the power to decide who received their votes.
His position reflects a recurring debate in Nigerian elections over the influence of money, vote buying and political mobilisation.
A Longstanding Concern About Elections
Deji Adeleke has previously spoken publicly about Nigeria’s electoral system and the influence of malpractice on elections.
In July 2026, ahead of the Osun governorship election, he criticised alleged electoral manipulation and called for greater neutrality among security personnel and electoral officials.
He argued that no chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission could single-handedly prevent manipulation across thousands of polling units.
At that time, he warned that electoral malpractice and weak adherence to the rule of law could undermine investor confidence and discourage businesses from investing in Nigeria.
His latest comments therefore come after months of public discussion about the credibility and competitiveness of the Osun election.
Family Support for the Governor
Deji has also played a significant role in supporting his younger brother.
Governor Ademola Adeleke previously acknowledged his brother’s financial support during his political journey, describing Deji as a major source of family support while noting that he had not demanded contracts or financial returns in exchange for that support.
The relationship between the two brothers has consequently remained an important part of the Adeleke political story.
Beyond politics, Governor Adeleke has repeatedly described Deji as a source of guidance and support. In March 2026, the Osun State Government described Deji as a pillar of strength to the governor and a philanthropist whose influence extends beyond the family.
Victory Celebrations
The comments came as celebrations continued following Ademola Adeleke’s victory.
The governor has received congratulatory messages from political figures and supporters, while videos from post-election celebrations have circulated widely online.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also visited Adeleke at his residence in Ede and urged him to continue delivering good governance to the people of Osun State.
The former president reportedly prayed for further success for the governor and encouraged him to remain focused on meeting the needs of Osun residents.
For Deji Adeleke, however, the celebration was also an opportunity to publicly explain why he believed the election result went in his brother’s favour.
His message was straightforward: money and political influence may play a role in elections, but he believes prayer and divine intervention ultimately determined the outcome.
As attention now shifts from the election campaign to governance, Governor Adeleke faces the responsibility of translating the victory into continued delivery of public services and development for the people of Osun State.
For the Adeleke family, the election victory has become both a political achievement and, in Deji’s telling, a testimony of faith.
Sources: PUNCH, Legit.ng, Osun State Government.
