The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, has finally accepted the outcome of the election two weeks after the election was held.
Oyebamiji, in a statement issued on Saturday, congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory, calling on APC members and supporters to close ranks and prepare for the 2027 general elections.
Adeleke, who contested the election on the platform of the Accord Party, was declared the winner of the poll.
Oyebamiji thanked APC members for their support throughout his campaign, acknowledging their sacrifices, resilience, prayers and confidence in him.
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He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Osun governor Bisi Akande and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for their guidance and support.
The APC candidate, however, said the violence recorded during the election should not be ignored.
“While we accept the outcome of the election and congratulate the winner, we cannot forget the painful incidents of violence and the lives that were lost,” he said.
“I mourn every victim of political violence and stand in solidarity with their families.
“I call on the relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate these incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. No political contest should cost any Nigerian their life,” he said.
Oyebamiji said his commitment to Osun State remained unchanged despite the conclusion of the election.
He added that where there were legitimate concerns, his camp would continue to pursue justice and fairness through lawful and constitutional means.
Call for APC Unity
Oyebamiji urged APC members to strengthen the party’s structures and work together ahead of the 2027 general election.
“As we now turn our attention to the 2027 general election, I call on every APC member and supporter to close ranks, strengthen our structures and rededicate ourselves to the task ahead,” he said.
“Our immediate responsibility is to mobilise for the re-election of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the success of all our candidates in Osun state,” he added.
The Director-General of the APC Governorship Campaign Committee, Oluwole Oke, had earlier said the party was still examining the election results and would not be pressured into congratulating Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Oke said the APC believed Adeleke did not secure the highest number of valid votes in the election.
However President Bola Tinubu who had earlier described the election as an affirmation to democracy, urged Adeleke, to see his re-election as a mandate to serve the people rather than a victory over his political opponents.
Adeleke had consistently maintained his stance in endorsing President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
He had earlier appealed to Oyebamiji and other candidates to accept the election outcome and support his administration.
The governor described the election as a contest in which there was “no victor, no vanquished” and urged his opponents to put their differences aside in the interest of the state.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.