The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the August 15, 2026 Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his return to office while calling for an end to the alleged harassment, intimidation and killings of APC members and supporters across the state.
Oyebamiji also alleged that some small and medium-sized businesses had been targeted because of the perceived political affiliations or lack of allegiance of their owners to the ruling party in Osun State.
He made the demands in an address to APC members and supporters on the outcome of the governorship election on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Oyebamiji said the party had begun consultations with its elders and other critical stakeholders following the declaration of the election result to determine its next steps.
He, however, urged APC members not to lose confidence in democratic institutions, saying the party would pursue justice through lawful and constitutional means, particularly in relation to the electoral process.
“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 said.
Oyebamiji congratulates Adeleke
While acknowledging Adeleke’s victory, Oyebamiji urged the governor to use his position as the state’s Chief Security Officer to protect residents and their property during the post-election period.
“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.
“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 recalled incidents of violence recorded before and during the election, alleging that more than 35 APC members were killed in the violence.
He called on the police to thoroughly investigate the reported killings and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
The APC candidate also alleged that some businesses had suffered attacks because of the political affiliations or perceived political loyalties of their owners, and demanded an end to what he described as harassment and intimidation of APC members and supporters.
APC begins consultations after election
Oyebamiji said consultations involving party elders and other stakeholders had commenced following the declaration of the election result.
He said the party remained committed to using lawful means to pursue its interests and urged members to remain united.
The APC candidate also commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for their support during the party’s governorship campaign.
He called on APC members in Osun to begin preparations for the 2027 general elections by strengthening the party’s structures and mobilising support for 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 said the party would continue to work towards what he described as a greater Osun, with equitable deployment of public resources and broader access to opportunities.
“Democracy is not an end in itself; it is a means through which the aspirations and welfare of the people can be advanced,” he said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission’s State Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, declared Adeleke the winner of the August 15 governorship election.
Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat Oyebamiji, who finished second with 444,815 votes.
