The All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in the August 15, 2026 Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory and urged him to protect the lives and property of all residents as the state moves beyond the election.
Oyebamiji, who addressed APC leaders, members and supporters in Osogbo on Saturday, said he congratulated Adeleke “in the spirit of democracy” following the declaration of the result by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
He also called on the governor, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to exercise his constitutional responsibility to safeguard citizens, particularly during the sensitive post-election period.
“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 urged an end to violence, harassment and intimidation allegedly targeting members and supporters of his party.
Oyebamiji called for an investigation into the deaths of former Irewole Local Government chairman, Remi Abass; APC chairman in Atakumosa Local Government Area, Gbenga Ogbara; Mr. Dele Ayegbo, nephew of Wole Oke and Director-General of his 2026 Campaign Council; and more than 35 other victims.
He urged the Nigeria Police Force to thoroughly investigate the killings and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, while expressing condolences to the families of those who lost their lives to political violence.
“The senseless killings, harassment and intimidation of members and supporters of our party must therefore stop forthwith,” he said, adding that attacks on innocent citizens and their businesses “must not be allowed to continue.”
Oyebamiji also raised concerns over reports of attacks on small and medium-sized businesses based on the perceived political affiliations or non-allegiance of their owners to the Accord Party.
He described such attacks as “clearly condemnable and unacceptable,” stressing that security and a conducive environment for businesses were essential to Osun’s economic growth, investment and employment prospects.
On the outcome of the election, Oyebamiji said the APC remained committed to pursuing justice and fairness through lawful and constitutional means in relation to the electoral process.
He, however, urged his supporters not to be discouraged, calling on them to sustain their faith in democracy and confidence in institutions established to protect democratic rights.
The APC candidate directed party members’ attention towards the 2027 general elections, urging them to close ranks, strengthen party structures and commence mobilisation for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and other APC 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.
Oyebamiji also thanked Tinubu for his support before, during and after the governorship election, while commending former governor Bisi Akande and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for their contributions to his campaign and the repositioning of the APC in the state.
INEC had 14 days ago declared Adeleke, candidate of the Accord Party, winner of the election with 511,067 votes. Oyebamiji polled 444,815 votes.
