Osun APC Candidate Oyebamiji Accepts Defeat, Congratulates Adeleke

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election for a second term.

Mr Oyebamiji shared his message in a statement on X on Saturday after meeting with APC leaders and members in Osogbo. He accepted the election results and congratulated Mr Adeleke, who won the election. He also expressed sadness over the victims of pre-election violence in the state.

He condemned the reported post-election killings, harassment, and intimidation of party members. He called on Mr Adeleke to use his powers to protect lives and property in 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 said when addressing party members in Osogbo.

After the August 15 governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Mr Adeleke of the Accord Party the winner. He defeated Mr Oyebamiji of the APC to secure another four-year term.

INEC presented the governor with a certificate of return on August 19 in Osogbo. The presentation was done by Kunle Ajayi, INEC National Commissioner representing the South-west.

Mr Oyebamiji's concession comes two weeks after Mr Adeleke was announced as the winner of the election.

Mr Adeleke won the election with 511,067 votes, defeating Mr Oyebamiji, who got 444,815 votes. This victory gave Mr Adeleke a second term in office.

Mr Oyebamiji said the violence against APC members and other citizens must stop. He urged the governor to ensure the safety of citizens and protect their businesses.

“The senseless killings, harassment, and intimidation of members and supporters of our party must therefore stop forthwith. Attacks on innocent citizens and their businesses must not be allowed to continue,” he said.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that there were at least 73 election-related violent incidents before the state’s governorship election, resulting in 29 deaths. Osogbo, the state capital, was the worst affected area. The violence has continued post-election, with clashes killing at least two people.

Mr Oyebamiji also claimed that some small and medium-sized businesses were attacked due to the political affiliations or non-allegiance of their owners to the Accord Party.

“For a state that aspires to achieve economic growth, attract investment and create sustainable employment opportunities for its people, the provision of security and a conducive environment for businesses to thrive is not negotiable,” Mr Oyebamiji said.

Even though he accepted the election outcome, the APC candidate said discussions were still ongoing with party leaders and other stakeholders about the party’s next steps.

“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,” he said.

He encouraged APC members not to lose hope, saying the party must stay united as it prepares for the 2027 general election.

Mr Oyebamiji also called on APC leaders and members in the state to come together and start mobilizing for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and other party candidates.

“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.