The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory and urged him to protect the lives and property of residents as the state moves beyond the election.
Oyebamiji made the call while addressing APC leaders, members and supporters in Osogbo on Saturday. He said he congratulated Adeleke “in the spirit of democracy” following the declaration of the election results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He also urged the governor, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to exercise his constitutional responsibility to protect citizens, particularly during the sensitive post-election period.
“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,” Oyebamiji said.
The APC candidate called for an immediate end to violence, harassment and intimidation allegedly targeting members and supporters of his party.
He specifically demanded investigations into the deaths of former Irewole Local Government Chairman, Remi Abass; APC Chairman in Atakumosa Local Government Area, Gbenga Ogbara; Dele Ayegbo, nephew of Wole Oke and Director-General of his 2026 Governorship Campaign Council; and more than 35 other victims.
Oyebamiji urged the Nigeria Police Force to conduct thorough investigations into the killings and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. He also expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives to political violence.
“The senseless killings, harassment and intimidation of members and supporters of our party must therefore stop forthwith,” he said, adding that attacks on innocent citizens and their businesses “must not be allowed to continue.”
Concern Over Attacks on Businesses
Oyebamiji also expressed concern over reports of attacks on small and medium-sized businesses allegedly based on the perceived political affiliations of their owners or their failure to support the Accord Party.
He described such attacks as “clearly condemnable and unacceptable,” stressing that security and a conducive environment for businesses were critical to Osun’s economic growth, investment and job creation.
On the election outcome, Oyebamiji said the APC remained committed to seeking justice and fairness through lawful and constitutional means in relation to the electoral process.
He, however, urged his supporters not to be discouraged, calling on them to remain committed to democracy and maintain confidence in institutions established to protect democratic rights.
The APC candidate also shifted the party’s attention towards the 2027 general elections, urging members to close ranks, strengthen party structures and begin mobilisation for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates.
“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 thanked Tinubu for his support before, during and after the governorship election. He also commended former governor Bisi Akande and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for their contributions to his campaign and efforts to reposition the APC in the state.
Oyebamiji’s remarks came 14 days after INEC declared Adeleke the winner of the election.
INEC said Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, polled 511,067 votes, while Oyebamiji finished second with 444,815 votes.
