The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory while demanding an end to alleged attacks, killings and intimidation of opposition members across the state.
Oyebamiji made the call in a statement addressed to APC members and supporters on Saturday, August 29, following the declaration of Adeleke as the winner of the governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said his congratulatory message was in the spirit of democracy and coincided with the 35th anniversary of the creation of Osun State.
Adeleke secured 511,067 votes to defeat Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes in the election.
While acknowledging Adeleke’s victory, the APC candidate urged the governor, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to take immediate steps to protect the lives and property of all residents, particularly during the post-election period.
Oyebamiji alleged that small and medium-sized businesses had been subjected to attacks because of the perceived political affiliations or refusal of their owners to support the ruling party.
He also alleged that more than 35 APC members lost their lives in violence before and during the election.
The APC candidate called on the police to conduct thorough investigations into the reported killings and ensure that those responsible were prosecuted.
Oyebamiji said that following INEC’s declaration of the result, he and other party stakeholders had commenced consultations with APC elders and critical stakeholders to determine the party’s next course of action.
He, however, urged party supporters not to lose faith in democratic institutions or become discouraged by the election outcome.
“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.
Oyebamiji maintained that APC members must remain committed to democratic principles while pursuing any grievances through lawful channels.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for their support during the party’s governorship campaign.
Turning to the 2027 general elections, Oyebamiji urged APC members to put the election behind them, close ranks and strengthen the party’s structures across Osun.
He tasked party members with mobilising support for Tinubu and other APC candidates ahead of the next 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,” he said.
Oyebamiji said the APC would continue to pursue its vision of an Osun State where public resources are equitably distributed and governance serves the interests of residents rather than narrow political interests.
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke has constituted a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry through an Executive Order to probe the killings, shootings, injuries and violence reported at Naira and Kobo Junction, Motor Park/Garage Area, Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor’s Executive Order takes effect from Monday, August 31, 2026.
The statement also disclosed that the Executive Order mandates the panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish the identities and number of victims.
