Oyebamiji Acknowledges Adeleke's Osun Victory, APC Pledges Continued Justice Pursuit

Bola Oyebamiji, who contested the August 15 Osun governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, has extended his congratulations to the state's Governor, Ademola Adeleke, following his confirmation as the election winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In an address to APC members and supporters on Saturday, August 29, obtained by The PUNCH in Osogbo, Oyebamiji also voiced concerns over alleged attacks targeting small and medium-sized businesses. He attributed these incidents to perceived political affiliations or lack thereof to the current ruling party in the state. Furthermore, he demanded an immediate cessation of the reported killings, harassment, and intimidation faced by APC members and their supporters across Osun State.

Oyebamiji revealed that extensive consultations, involving party elders and key stakeholders, were undertaken to determine the APC's next steps after the governorship poll results were announced. He reiterated the party's commitment to due process, stating, "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. 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 specifically congratulated Governor Adeleke on his victory in the August 15, 2026 governorship election, as declared by INEC, doing so "In the spirit of democracy and as we commemorate the 35th anniversary of the creation of our dear Osun State." Oyebamiji then urged the Governor, in his capacity as the state's Chief Security Officer, "to do everything within his constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of all citizens, particularly during this sensitive post-election period."

Recalling various acts of violence preceding and during the governorship election, Oyebamiji claimed that the APC lost over 35 members to the unrest. He called upon the police authorities to conduct thorough investigations into these fatalities and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The APC candidate also acknowledged the support received from President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for their involvement in the governorship campaign. He then charged APC members in Osun State to rededicate themselves to mobilizing support for President Tinubu and other party candidates in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

"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 emphasized.

Concluding his address, Oyebamiji praised the courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment of party members to the APC and its "Prosperity Agenda." He underscored that "Democracy is not an end in itself; it is a means through which the aspirations and welfare of the people can be advanced." He affirmed the party's resolve to "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. I thank you all."

The PUNCH had previously reported that Professor Joshua Ogunwole, the State Returning Officer for INEC, declared the incumbent Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, as the winner of the Saturday, August 15 governorship poll. Governor Adeleke secured a total of 511,067 votes, defeating his main rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the APC, who garnered 444,815 votes.