The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the August 15, 2026 Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory, while urging him to protect the lives and property of residents during the post-election period.
Oyebamiji made the call on Saturday while addressing APC leaders, members and supporters in Osogbo, saying his congratulatory message to Adeleke was made “in the spirit of democracy” following the declaration of the results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He urged Adeleke, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to exercise his constitutional responsibility to protect citizens, particularly amid concerns over possible post-election violence.
“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 also called for an immediate end to alleged violence, harassment and intimidation targeting members and supporters of the party.
He specifically urged authorities to investigate 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, as well as more than 35 other victims.
Oyebamiji called on the Nigeria Police Force to thoroughly investigate 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.
He further raised concerns 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.
Oyebamiji described such attacks as unacceptable, stressing that security and a stable environment for businesses were essential to Osun’s economic growth, investment and job creation.
On the election outcome, he said the APC remained committed to seeking justice and fairness through lawful and constitutional channels in relation to the electoral process.
He, however, urged his supporters to remain committed to democracy and have confidence in institutions established to protect democratic rights.
Oyebamiji subsequently shifted the party’s focus towards the 2027 general elections, urging members to close ranks, strengthen party structures and begin mobilisation for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election 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.
The APC candidate also thanked Tinubu for his support before, during and after the governorship election, while commending former governor Bisi Akande and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola for their contributions to his campaign and efforts to reposition the party in the state.
Oyebamiji’s remarks came 14 days after INEC declared Adeleke the winner of the election.
According to INEC, Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, polled 511,067 votes, while Oyebamiji finished second with 444,815 votes.
