Osun APC candidate Oyebamiji concedes poll, congratulates Adeleke

ALL Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, has conceded defeat and congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory.

Oyebamiji, in a statement issued on Saturday, also urged APC members in the state to unite and begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, was declared winner of the election after polling across the state.

Reflecting on his campaign, Oyebamiji thanked APC supporters for what he described as their sacrifices, resilience, prayers and confidence in his candidacy.

READ ALSO: Deji Adeleke: I prayed voters would take APC money, back my brother

He also acknowledged the support and counsel he received from President Bola Tinubu, former Osun governor Bisi Akande and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

While accepting the election result, however, Oyebamiji said the violence that accompanied the poll 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.

He condoled with families of those who died during the electoral violence and called on security agencies to investigate the incidents and prosecute those found responsible.

According to him, political competition should never result in the loss of lives. Oyebamiji said his interest in the development of Osun remained strong despite the conclusion of the election, adding that any outstanding concerns would be pursued through legal and constitutional channels.

With attention now shifting to 2027, the APC candidate urged members and supporters to rebuild party structures, strengthen their unity and prepare for the next electoral cycle.

He said the immediate priority should be mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election and the success of APC candidates in Osun State.

Adeleke had previously appealed to Oyebamiji and other contestants to accept the outcome of the election and work with his administration.

The governor described the election as a contest in which there was “no victor, no vanquished” and specifically urged Oyebamiji to congratulate him on his victory.