The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the just-concluded Osun State governorship election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has broken his silence following his defeat by incumbent Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, urging his supporters to remain calm while backing the party’s decision to review the outcome of the poll.

Oyebamiji, in a statement addressed to APC leaders, members, supporters and voters across the state, expressed appreciation for what he described as the steadfastness, sacrifices and commitment demonstrated throughout the electioneering period.

The statement came two days after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke of the Accord Party winner of the August 15 governorship election. Adeleke secured 511,067 votes, defeating Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes, with a margin of 66,252 votes. Adeleke won in 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji prevailed in 11.

While acknowledging the outcome, Oyebamiji said the result was not what his campaign and supporters had anticipated, but stressed that he respected the position of the electoral umpire.

“Although, we had hoped for a different outcome in the election, in the meantime, we respect the position of the electoral umpire and I totally support the decision of our party in its ongoing review of the outcome of the election,” he said.

The APC candidate also expressed appreciation to voters who supported his campaign, as well as volunteers, party leaders and members who worked across the state to promote the alternative vision presented by the APC during the campaign.

Oyebamiji’s position aligns with reports that the APC is reviewing the election outcome, following the party’s rejection of aspects of the process. His statement, however, stops short of personally rejecting INEC’s declaration, instead emphasising respect for the electoral process while the party considers its next steps.

‘The Values and Causes We Championed Are Alive’

Looking beyond the immediate electoral defeat, Oyebamiji said the end of the campaign should not mark the end of the aspirations and principles promoted by his political platform.

He urged APC members and supporters to remain engaged in their communities, continue organising and work towards what he described as the collective good and rapid development of Osun State.

“However, the campaign has come to an end and the election is over, but the values and causes we championed are alive,” he said, pledging that they would continue to work for “effective, inclusive and rapid development” of the state.

Oyebamiji, who holds FCIB and MBA qualifications, was among the six governorship candidates cleared by INEC for the August 2026 election. INEC’s final list identified him as the APC candidate and the incumbent Adeleke as the Accord candidate.

The election itself represented a major political contest between Adeleke, who was seeking a second term, and Oyebamiji, who emerged as the APC’s candidate after the party’s primary process.

Raises Alarm Over Alleged Post-Election Attacks

A major part of Oyebamiji’s statement focused on security concerns following the election.

The APC candidate alleged that attacks on members and supporters of the party, which he said had occurred during the build-up to the election, had intensified in the 24 hours following the poll.

He therefore called on the Osun State Government and security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to intervene and prevent further violence.

“I urge the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intervene and arrest this ugly trend without delay,” he said.

Oyebamiji simultaneously appealed to APC supporters to remain peaceful and calm as they go about their daily activities in the post-election period.

His appeal for restraint comes as political attention in Osun shifts from the election itself to the handling of the result, possible legal or administrative reviews, and the broader question of maintaining peace after a closely contested poll. Other reports have also highlighted his concerns over alleged attacks on APC members and supporters.

Acknowledges Supporters After Defeat

Despite losing the election, Oyebamiji said he remained proud of the campaign conducted by his team and expressed gratitude to everyone who participated in the process.

He thanked voters who entrusted their support to his vision, volunteers who contributed their time and energy, as well as APC leaders and members who worked across the state.

“I remain proud of the campaign we ran and grateful for the confidence you reposed in me,” he said.

The statement marks Oyebamiji’s first major public reaction since INEC announced Adeleke’s victory, offering a measured response that combines acceptance of the electoral declaration with support for the APC’s ongoing review of the result and a call for peace among his supporters.

Adeleke’s victory secures him another four-year mandate at the helm of Osun State after the Accord candidate successfully defended his position against the APC challenge.

Oyebamiji concluded his message by thanking voters, supporters, party members and leaders for their commitment and sacrifices, while extending prayers for Osun State and Nigeria.

“God bless you all. God bless Osun State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stated.

Isaac Zaza
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