By The APC’s defeated governorship candidate in Osun, Bola Oyebamiji, has formally acknowledged Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory in the August 15 election while using the same address to press the governor for urgent action against the wave of political violence that has followed the vote.
A Concession, With Conditions
Speaking in Osogbo on Saturday to APC leaders, members and supporters, Oyebamiji congratulated Adeleke on the win as declared by INEC, but paired that acknowledgment with a direct appeal to the governor, in his capacity as Chief Security Officer of the state, to move immediately to stop the killings, harassment and intimidation being directed at APC members and supporters.
He used part of his remarks to thank President Bola Tinubu for backing him throughout the campaign and beyond, credited former Governor Bisi Akande for his guidance and support, and singled out Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Governor Gboyega Oyetola for what he called his role in rebuilding the APC’s fortunes in the state.
Looking Back at the Campaign
Oyebamiji traced his journey back to his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate in December 2025, saying the various factions within APC had since set aside their internal disagreements to pursue a shared goal of winning the election. He described a campaign that reached every part of the state, engaging groups ranging from civil servants, retirees and students to artisans, entrepreneurs, women, professionals, athletes, persons living with disabilities and religious organisations.
Naming the Victims of Post-Election Violence
The tone shifted sharply as Oyebamiji turned to what he called unwarranted violence before, during and especially after the election. He named several victims specifically: former Irewole Local Government Chairman Remi Abass, Atakumosa Local Government APC Chairman Gbenga Ogbara, and Dele Ayegbo, nephew of campaign council Director-General Wole Oke, alongside more than 35 others he said had also lost their lives. He called on the Nigeria Police Force to carry out a thorough investigation into the killings and ensure that those responsible face justice, and he extended condolences to the affected families, promising they would not be left to face their loss alone.
A Direct Appeal to the Governor
Tying his congratulations to Osun’s 35th anniversary celebrations, Oyebamiji urged Adeleke to lean on his constitutional powers to safeguard lives and property across the state. He condemned what he described as attacks on APC members, supporters and businesses carried out purely because of perceived political loyalties, arguing that such conduct has no place in a state trying to attract investment and generate jobs. He was blunt in his demand that the killing, harassment and intimidation of his party’s members and supporters stop immediately.
On the broader post-election dispute, Oyebamiji said the party intended to pursue justice through lawful and constitutional channels, particularly where the conduct of the election itself is concerned. He encouraged APC members not to let the result dampen their spirits, urging them instead to stay committed to the democratic process and to trust the institutions meant to safeguard their rights.
Eyes Already on 2027
Oyebamiji closed by pivoting his party’s attention forward, calling on APC leaders, members and supporters throughout Osun to begin laying groundwork for the 2027 general elections, with particular emphasis on securing President Tinubu’s re-election. He urged members to unite, reinforce the party’s structures, and work toward victories not just for Tinubu but for other APC candidates across the state. He commended supporters for their resilience through a difficult season and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to a vision of Osun in which resources are shared equitably, opportunity is broadly accessible, and governance serves ordinary people rather than narrow interests.
