Osun Election: APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji congratulates Adeleke on his re-election, urges calm and demands investigation into alleged election-related killings.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on securing another term in office.
Oyebamiji, while reacting to the outcome of the keenly contested election, appealed to members and supporters of the APC to remain calm, resilient and committed to democratic principles despite the result of the poll.
The APC candidate made his position known in an address to party members and supporters dated Saturday, August 29, in which he reflected on the election, the events surrounding the exercise and the challenges faced by the party during the electoral period.
Rather than allowing the outcome of the election to create division within the party, Oyebamiji urged APC members to remain united and continue to have confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
He said the APC remained committed to pursuing justice and fairness through legal and constitutional channels, particularly where the party believes that aspects of the electoral process require further scrutiny.
“As a party committed to the rule of law, we shall continue to pursue justice and fairness through lawful and constitutional means, particularly in relation to our electoral processes,” Oyebamiji said.
He appealed to party supporters not to become discouraged by the outcome of the election, stressing that political setbacks should not lead to despair or a loss of confidence in democratic processes.
“I therefore urge you not to be discouraged or despair. We must remain resolute, sustain our faith in democracy and continue to have confidence in the institutions established to protect our democratic rights,” he added.
Despite contesting against Adeleke, Oyebamiji acknowledged the governor’s victory as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He described his congratulatory message as part of the democratic tradition and linked it to the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the creation of Osun State.
“In the spirit of democracy and as we commemorate the 35th anniversary of the creation of our dear Osun State, I congratulate His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Executive Governor of Osun State, on his victory in the August 15, 2026 governorship election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission,” he stated.
However, Oyebamiji’s congratulatory message was accompanied by a strong appeal for improved security across the state.
He urged Adeleke, as the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, to take every necessary step within the limits of his constitutional authority to protect residents and their property during the post-election period.
According to him, the period immediately following an election can be sensitive, making it necessary for government and security agencies to remain vigilant and prevent any incident capable of escalating political tensions.
“At the same time, I call on Mr. Governor, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to do everything within his constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of all citizens, particularly during this sensitive post-election period,” Oyebamiji said.
The APC candidate also drew attention to incidents of violence which he said occurred before and during the governorship election.
Oyebamiji alleged that the violence resulted in the deaths of more than 35 APC members, describing the reported loss of lives as a disturbing development that requires a proper investigation.
He therefore called on the police to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and identify those responsible.
The former governorship candidate said those found culpable should face the law, arguing that accountability remains essential to preventing political violence and ensuring that citizens can participate in future elections without fear.
He maintained that political disagreements should never be allowed to degenerate into attacks on human lives, noting that the protection of citizens must remain a priority irrespective of political affiliation.
The call for investigation formed one of the major points in his post-election message, as he urged relevant authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the reported killings are properly established.
Beyond the immediate aftermath of the election, Oyebamiji also turned his attention to the APC’s political future in Osun State.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his support for the party’s governorship project and similarly appreciated the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his contribution and support.
Oyebamiji urged APC members across the state to use the period after the governorship election to rebuild, strengthen and reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said the party could not afford to remain divided if it hoped to secure strong results in future elections.
According to him, APC members must work together, reinforce the party’s structures at the grassroots and embark on sustained mobilisation ahead of the next electoral cycle.
“We must close ranks, strengthen our structures and work tirelessly to secure incontrovertible victories for Mr. President and all our candidates in Osun State,” he said.
His message therefore appeared to shift the attention of the party from the immediate disappointment or outcome of the governorship contest towards the larger political battle ahead.
Oyebamiji also used the opportunity to appreciate APC supporters for what he described as their courage, resilience and steadfast commitment throughout the election period.
He said the loyalty demonstrated by party members remained valuable to the APC and urged them not to abandon the principles and objectives for which they had worked.
According to him, democracy should ultimately be measured by its ability to improve the welfare of citizens and provide opportunities for people to participate meaningfully in society.
“Democracy is not an end in itself; it is a means through which the aspirations and welfare of the people can be advanced,” he stated.
Oyebamiji further expressed his vision of a better Osun State, where public resources would be distributed fairly and residents would have greater access to opportunities.
He said governance should focus on the interests of the wider population rather than serving narrow political, personal or sectional interests.
“We will therefore continue to march forward with faith and determination towards a greater Osun. A state where our collective resources are equitably deployed, where opportunities are accessible to all, and where governance serves the greater good of our people rather than narrow or clannish interests,” he said.
The APC candidate ended his message by thanking party members and supporters for standing by the party throughout the election, while encouraging them to remain focused on the future.
His statement combined an acceptance of Adeleke’s declared victory with a call for accountability over alleged election-related violence and a renewed appeal for APC members to prepare for the political challenges ahead of 2027.
For the APC in Osun, Oyebamiji’s message signals an effort to maintain party cohesion following the governorship contest while keeping attention on legal avenues, security concerns and preparations for the next general elections.
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