- flays post-election killings
- asks APC members to start mobilising for 2027
By John Dike, Osogbo
At last, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The new development, coming almost two weeks after the declaration of the election results, demonstrates a sportsmanlike gesture and a mature and positive shifting of ground from the original hard stance.
Notably, the APC candidate had initially declined to congratulate the incumbent Governor and Accord Party’s candidate in the fiercely contested election, insisting that his party was studying the outcome, and this stufy would determine his next step.
But Oyebamiji, popularly called AMBO, eventually congratulated his victorious rival on Saturday in Osogbo while addressing APC leaders, members and supporters on the outcome of the election and the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
As announced on August 16 by the State Returning Officer, Prof Joshua Ogunwole, who is also the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE, after the completion of the collation of results from the state’s 30 local government areas, Adeleke scored 511,067 votes against APC’s Oyebamiji’s 444,815; and ADC’s Najeem Salaam’s 17,180 votes respectively.
Details of the results of the election, which was conducted across the state’s 3,763 polling units, showed that Adeleke won in 19 Local Government Areas to defeat Oyebamiji , who won in 11 LGAs, by 66,252 votes.
Oyebamiji however expressed concern over the violence that occurred before, during and particularly after the election, calling on Governor Adeleke, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to take immediate steps to halt what he described as killings, harassment and intimidation of APC members and supporters.
Specifically, he recalled the killings of former Irewole Local Government Chairman, Hon. Remi Abass; APC Chairman in Atakumosa Local Government, Chief Gbenga Ogbara; Dele Ayegbo, nephew of the Director-General of the APC Governorship Campaign Council, Hon. Wole Oke; and more than 35 others.
Oyebamiji called on the Nigeria Police Force to thoroughly investigate the reported killings and ensure that anyone found responsible was brought to justice.
He also condoled with the families of victims of political violence, assuring them that they would not be abandoned.
The APC candidate said attacks against APC members, supporters and businesses allegedly based on perceived political affiliations were unacceptable, particularly in a state seeking to attract investment, create employment and promote economic development.
According to him, “The senseless killings, harassment and intimidation of members and supporters of our party must therefore stop forthwith.”
Oyebamiji urged Governor Adeleke to use his constitutional responsibilities to protect the lives and property of all residents of the state, irrespective of their political affiliations.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support before, during and after the governorship election, while appreciating former Governor Bisi Akande for his counsel and support.
He praised the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, for what he described as his contributions to the repositioning of the APC in Osun State.
Reflecting on the APC’s campaign, Oyebamiji said that following his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate in December 2025, different tendencies within the party put aside their differences and worked towards a common goal of winning the election.
He said the campaign reached communities across the state, with engagements involving civil servants, retirees, artisans, students, youths, entrepreneurs, women, professionals, sporting groups, persons living with disabilities and religious organisations.
Despite the outcome of the election, Oyebamiji said the APC would continue to pursue justice and fairness through lawful and constitutional means, particularly in relation to the electoral process.
He urged party members not to be discouraged by the election result but to remain committed to democracy and have confidence in institutions established to protect their democratic rights.
Oyebamiji subsequently called on APC leaders, members and supporters across the state to commence preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He particularly urged members to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid, close ranks, strengthen the party’s structures and work towards securing victories for Tinubu and other APC candidates in Osun State.
While joining the people of Osun in celebrating the state’s 35th anniversary, Oyebamiji congratulated Governor Adeleke on his electoral victory and urged him to make the protection of lives and property a priority of his administration.
He concluded by commending APC members for their resilience and commitment, saying the party would continue to pursue its vision of a greater Osun where public resources are equitably deployed, opportunities are accessible to all and governance serves the broader interests of the people.
