Osun APC governorship candidate Oyebamiji concedes defeat, congratulates Adeleke

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

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Mr Oyebamiji, in a statement posted on X on Saturday after addressing APC leaders and members in Osogbo, said he has accepted the outcome of the election and congratulated Mr Adeleke who emerged victorious in the election. He, however, mourned the victims who lost their lives in the pre-election violence in the states

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

Following the 15 August governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Mr Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, winner after defeating his closest challenger, Mr Oyebamiji of the APC, to secure another four-year term.

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

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

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Mr Adeleke won the election with 511,067 votes, defeating Mr Oyebamiji of the APC, who polled 444,815 votes. The victory secured Mr Adeleke a second term in office

Mr Oyebamiji, however, said the reported violence against APC members and other residents must stop, urging the governor to ensure the safety of citizens and 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 no fewer than 73 election-related violent incidents occurred ahead of the state’s governorship election leading to 29 deaths with Osogbo, the state capital, emerging as the worst-hit. The violence has also continued in the post-election period, with clashes killing no fewer than two people.

He also alleged that some small and medium-sized businesses had been attacked because of the perceived 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.

Despite conceding the election outcome, the APC candidate said consultations were ongoing with party leaders and other stakeholders on the party’s next course of action.

“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 urged APC members not to be discouraged, saying the party must remain united as it prepares for the 2027 general election.

Mr Oyebamiji also called on APC leaders and members in the state to close ranks and begin mobilisation for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and other candidates of the party.

“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.