The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the Aug. 15 Osun governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election.
Oyebamiji, in a statement on Saturday in Osogbo, urged Adeleke to protect the lives and property of all citizens, particularly during the post-election period.
“In the spirit of democracy and as we commemorate the 35th anniversary of the creation of our dear Osun State, I congratulate Gov. Ademola Adeleke on his victory in the Aug. 15 governorship election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“At the same time, I call on Mr Governor, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to do everything within his constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of all citizens, particularly during this sensitive post-election period,” he said.
Oyebamiji urged APC members not to be discouraged by the outcome of the election but to remain resolute and have confidence in institutions established to protect democratic rights.
He called for an immediate end to what he described as killings, harassment and intimidation of APC members and supporters.
“The senseless killings, harassment and intimidation of members and supporters of our party must stop forthwith.
“Attacks on innocent citizens and their businesses must not be allowed to continue,” he said.
Oyebamiji also expressed concern over reports of attacks on small and medium-sized businesses allegedly because of the perceived political affiliations or non-allegiance of their owners to the Accord Party.
He described such attacks as condemnable and unacceptable in a state aspiring to achieve economic growth, attract investment and create sustainable employment opportunities.
“The provision of security and a conducive environment for businesses to thrive is not negotiable,” he said.
The APC candidate commended party members for their courage, resilience and steadfast commitment to the party and its Prosperity Agenda.
He noted that democracy was not an end in itself but a means through which the aspirations and welfare of the people could be advanced.
“We will therefore continue to march forward with faith and determination towards a greater Osun.
“A state where our collective resources are equitably deployed, and where governance serves the greater good of our people rather than narrow interests,” he said.
Oyebamiji said the governorship election had come and gone, adding that following INEC’s declaration of the results, the party had commenced wider consultations with elders and other critical stakeholders on the way forward.
He said the party, being committed to the rule of law, would continue to pursue justice and fairness through lawful and constitutional means, particularly in relation to the electoral process.
Oyebamiji also called on APC leaders, members and supporters to begin mobilisation and preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu and other candidates of the party.
He urged party members to close ranks, strengthen the party’s structures and work tirelessly towards securing victories for Tinubu and other APC candidates in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Independent National Electiral Commission (INEC), in the early hours of Aug. 16 declared Adeleke the winner of Osun governorship election.
He polled 511,067 votes to defeat his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 444,815 votes.
The INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, who declared the results at the INEC collation centre, said the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, came third with 17,180 votes.
