“I support my Party’s decision” — Osun APC governorship candidate breaks silence after his defeat

Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Osun State governorship election, has called for calm among his supporters after losing the poll to incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Oyebamiji, in a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, said he accepted the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the outcome of the August 15 election.

Adeleke, who contested under the Accord Party, was declared winner after securing 511,067 votes, while Oyebamiji recorded 444,815 votes.

Oyebamiji urges supporters to remain calm

The APC candidate called on his supporters to remain peaceful and continue contributing to the development of Osun State.

He said the end of the election would not stop the campaign for the values and policies promoted during his bid for the governorship.

“The campaign has come to an end and the election is over, but the values and causes we championed are alive. We would continue to work for effective, inclusive and rapid development of our dear Osun,” he said.

Oyebamiji also thanked voters, APC leaders, members and volunteers who supported his campaign.

He said he was grateful to those who believed in the alternative vision presented by his campaign despite the election result.

APC candidate backs party’s review

While accepting INEC’s declaration, Oyebamiji said he supported the APC’s decision to review the outcome of the election.

“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.

Oyebamiji raises security concerns

The APC candidate, however, expressed concern over alleged attacks involving members and supporters of his party.

He called the attention of the Osun State Government and security agencies to what he described as increasing hostility towards APC supporters.

“At the same time, I wish to alert the State Government and security agents to the growing trend of hostility and violence against our members and supporters,” Oyebamiji said.

According to him, alleged attacks recorded before the election had “taken another dimension in the last 24 hours.”

He therefore urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intervene and protect APC members and supporters.

Oyebamiji ended his message by urging his supporters to stay calm while going about their normal activities and thanking them for their confidence in his candidacy.

Watch the video here…

Dear supporters, members and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun,

I commend you all for your steadfastness, commitment, sacrifice, and tireless efforts throughout the just-concluded governorship election. Your unwavering support for my candidacy and your…

— Bola Oyebamiji (@OyebamijiBola) August 18, 2026