Osun 2026: Oyebamiji Congratulates Adeleke on Victory, Seeks Probe into Electoral Violence

Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress candidate in Osun State’s August 15, 2026 off-cycle governorship election, has congratulated Accord Party candidate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory and re-election for a second term.

Mr Oyebamiji conceded in a statement posted on X on Saturday after addressing APC leaders and members in Osogbo. He said he had accepted the election result and congratulated Mr Adeleke on his victory, while mourning those who lost their lives in pre-election violence in the state.

Mr Oyebamiji had initially declined to congratulate Governor Adeleke after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared him winner of the Osun governorship election. Mr Adeleke polled 511,067 votes, defeating the APC candidate, who secured 444,815 votes across the state’s 30 local government areas, by a margin of 66,252 votes.

Since Adeleke was declared winner, many Nigerians and stakeholders from both parties have congratulated him, including President Bola Tinubu, who personally called the governor and described the result as a true reflection of the people’s will and voters’ confidence in him. However, his closest rival had remained silent, fuelling expectations that he might challenge the outcome in court.

His concession and congratulatory message appear to have eased speculation that he would challenge the election outcome at the tribunal. However, Mr Oyebamiji also cited the pre-election violence and urged relevant security agencies to investigate the incidents thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice.

He added that although the party had legitimate concerns about the poll, it would continue to seek justice and fairness through lawful and constitutional means, urging supporters not to lose heart. Acknowledging that the 2026 governorship election had ended, Mr Oyebamiji reaffirmed his commitment to the 2027 general election.

The statement partly reads, “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. 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.

“The 2026 governorship election has come and gone, but our commitment to Osun remains unwavering. Where there are legitimate concerns, we will continue to seek justice and fairness through lawful and constitutional means. I urge our supporters not to be discouraged. We must remain calm, united and resolute, while keeping faith in democracy and the institutions established to protect it.

“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. 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.

“Our journey continues. The Prosperity Agenda remains alive, and our dream of a greater Osun remains unwavering. With faith, unity and determination, we will continue to work for an Osun where opportunities are accessible to all, resources are equitably deployed, and governance truly serves the people,” he said.

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