The candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the August 15 Osun governorship poll, Bola Oyebamiji has congratulated the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, who was returned elected in the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Oyebamiji who alleged attacks on small and medium-sized businesses due to perceive political affiliations or non-allegiance of their owners to the ruling party in the state, also demanded end to the killings, harassment and intimidation of APC members and supporters across the state.
He made this known in his address on the outcome of the governorship poll to the supporters and members of APC dated Saturday, August 29 obtained in Osogbo by The PUNCH.
He also said after the declaration of the poll result, efforts were set in motion leading to wider consultations with people inclusive of elders and the critical stakeholders in the party for the next step forward.
“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,” Oyebamiji said.
He added, “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.
“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.”
He recalled various incidents of violence that occurred before and during the governorship poll, saying the party lost more than 35 members to the mayhem and charged the police to thoroughly investigate the killings and bring the perpetrators to justice.
He commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for their support for the governorship project, and called on APC members in the state to rededicate themselves to the task of mobilising support for Tinubu and other candidates of the party in the 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.
“In conclusion, I salute your courage, resilience and steadfast commitment to our party and to the Prosperity Agenda that we represent. Democracy is not an end in itself; it is a means through which the aspirations and welfare of the people can be advanced.
“We will therefore 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,” he said.
The PUNCH reports that the incumbent Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, was returned elected in the Saturday August 15 governorship poll by the State Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joshua Ogunwole.
Adeleke won the governorship poll with a total of 511,067, to defeat his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the APC, who polled 444,815 votes.
