After Osun Defeat, Oyebamiji Accepts INEC Verdict, Alleges Fresh Attacks on APC Supporters

• APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, says he respects INEC’s declaration of Governor Ademola Adeleke as winner of the August 15 Osun governorship election while backing his party’s review of the outcome.

• Oyebamiji thanks thousands of APC supporters, party leaders and volunteers for standing with his campaign, insisting the ideals and development agenda his team promoted remain alive despite the electoral setback.

• The defeated candidate raises concerns over alleged post-election attacks and intimidation of APC members, urging the Osun State Government and security agencies to act swiftly to prevent violence and protect lives and property.

August 18, () — The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, has accepted the declaration of Governor Ademola Adeleke as the winner of the poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while expressing support for his party’s ongoing review of the election outcome.

Oyebamiji made his position known in a statement posted on his official X account on Tuesday, three days after the election, signalling his acceptance of the electoral umpire’s announcement even as the APC evaluates the process and results.

INEC had declared Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, winner of the governorship election after polling 511,067 votes to defeat Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes, thereby earning a fresh four-year mandate.

Reacting to the outcome, the APC standard-bearer thanked party leaders, supporters, volunteers and residents across Osun State who worked tirelessly throughout the campaign, saying their commitment and confidence in his vision would not be forgotten.

According to him, although the party had hoped for a different outcome at the polls, it would continue to respect constitutional processes while examining 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,” Oyebamiji stated.

The Osun APC governorship candidate stressed that the conclusion of the election should not be interpreted as the end of the ideals and development agenda promoted during his campaign.

He maintained that he and his supporters would remain committed to advancing policies aimed at promoting inclusive governance, accelerated development and improved welfare for the people of Osun State.

“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 added.

Oyebamiji also urged APC members across the state to remain calm, law-abiding and committed to peaceful democratic engagement despite the disappointment of the election result.

Osun Poll: APC Rejects Adeleke’s Victory, Begins Review of Election Results

SERAP Demands Probe of Osun Poll, Seeks EFCC, ICPC Action Over Vote-Buying, Electoral Violence

INEC Declares Adeleke Winner of Osun Governorship Election, Secures Second Term

Raises Alarm Over Alleged Attacks

The APC candidate, however, alleged that incidents of intimidation and attacks against members and supporters of his party had increased after the election.

He appealed to the Osun State Government, security agencies and other relevant authorities to intervene promptly to prevent the situation from escalating.

“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,” he said.

Oyebamiji urged security agencies to ensure that every resident, irrespective of political affiliation, enjoys adequate protection and that anyone responsible for acts of violence is brought to justice.