The Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recently concluded Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has finally accepted defeat as he congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory.
Oyebamiji in a statement on Saturday, August 29, 2026, two weeks after the governorship election, appealed for calm across the state, saying that his decision to congratulate Governor Adeleke was in line with the principles of democracy and followed the declaration of the result by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
While announcing the results of the August 15, Osun governorship election, INEC declared that Adeleke, who contested on the platform of Accord Party, polled 511,067 votes, while Oyebamiji of the APC secured 444,815 votes to finish second.
Oyebamiji tasked Adeleke to ensure that residents and their property are protected, especially during the post-election period as the Chief Security Officer of the State.
He said; “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, who was the Managing Director of NIWA, while addressing his supporters, appealed for an end to violence, intimidation and harassment allegedly directed at APC members and supporters and called on the Nigeria police to investigate the deaths of several people allegedly linked to political violence during the electioneering.
“The senseless killings, harassment and intimidation of members and supporters of our party must therefore stop forthwith. Attacks on innocent residents and their businesses “must not be allowed to continue,” he stated.
The Osun State APC governorship candidate also expressed concerns over alleged attacks on small and medium-sized businesses because of the political views or perceived affiliations of their owners, stressing that such incidents are unacceptable and condemnable.
According to him; “Businesses can only grow when there is adequate security and a stable environment. Creating a safe atmosphere for businesses would help Osun attract investment, create jobs and strengthen its economy”.
While commenting on the governorship election outcome, Oyebamiji said the APC would continue to seek justice through legal and constitutional channels, thus appealed to party supporters not to lose confidence in democracy or the institutions responsible for protecting citizens’ democratic rights.
Oyebamiji asked party members to put their differences aside and begin preparations for the 2027 electoral contest, saying; “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 particularly expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support throughout the election process and also acknowledged former Governor Bisi Akande and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for their roles in his campaign and efforts to strengthen the APC in Osun.
