The APC candidate’s full concession comes as Adeleke sets up a Coroner’s Inquest into election violence that killed dozens, though the two camps dispute the toll.
Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Osun governorship election, has formally congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party on his re-election, nearly two weeks after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke winner of the 15 August poll.
Speaking in Osogbo on Saturday while addressing APC leaders and members on the election outcome and preparations for 2027, Oyebamiji said his congratulatory message was offered “in the spirit of democracy” and coincided with Osun State’s 35th anniversary. Adeleke won with 511,067 votes to Oyebamiji’s 444,815.
A gradual, two-stage concession
Oyebamiji had earlier issued a more cautious statement two weeks prior, saying he respected the electoral umpire’s decision and supported his party’s ongoing review of the outcome, without explicitly congratulating Adeleke at that stage. Saturday’s statement went further, offering a direct and unambiguous congratulatory message for the first time.
He thanked APC members, volunteers and voters for their commitment throughout the campaign, and expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, former Osun Governor Bisi Akande, and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola for their support and counsel.
Disputed toll from election violence
Oyebamiji used the statement to demand an end to what he described as continuing post-election violence against APC members, alleging that more than 35 party members had been killed in violence before and during the election. He called on Adeleke, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to take immediate steps to protect lives and property, and urged police to investigate the killings and prosecute those responsible.
“The senseless killings, harassment and intimidation of members and supporters of our party must therefore stop forthwith. Attacks on innocent citizens and their businesses must not be allowed to continue,” he said, extending condolences to victims’ families.
Adeleke’s response and a formal inquiry
Adeleke had earlier extended an olive branch to Oyebamiji and other candidates following his declaration, describing the contest as one with “no victor, no vanquished” and urging rivals to set aside differences to support his administration.
Separately, Adeleke has constituted a Coroner’s Inquest and Panel of Inquiry via Executive Order, effective 31 August, to investigate killings, shootings, injuries and violence recorded at Naira and Kobo Junction and the Motor Park/Garage area in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, according to a statement from his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
The panel has been mandated to establish the identities and number of victims from that specific incident.
Oyebamiji said the APC would pursue justice and electoral fairness “through lawful and constitutional means” where legitimate concerns remain, while urging members to redirect their focus toward mobilising for Tinubu’s re-election and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.
