The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the August 15 Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, while calling for urgent action to halt alleged post-election violence in the state.

Oyebamiji, who spoke to APC members in Osogbo at the weekend, condemned reported killings, harassment and intimidation of party supporters following the election, describing the incidents as senseless and unacceptable.

He urged Adeleke, as the constitutional chief security officer of Osun State, to take immediate steps to protect residents and their property, particularly amid what he described as heightened tensions after the poll.

“In the spirit of democracy and as we commemorate the 35th anniversary of the creation of our dear Osun State, I congratulate His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Executive Governor of Osun State, on his victory in the August 15, 2026 governorship election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission,” Oyebamiji said.

He specifically raised concerns over alleged attacks on small and medium-sized businesses, saying some business owners were reportedly targeted because of their perceived political affiliations or failure to support the Accord Party.

“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.

Oyebamiji stressed that security was essential to the state’s economic development, arguing that investors and businesses could not operate effectively in an atmosphere of fear and political violence.

“For a state that aspires to achieve economic growth, attract investment and create sustainable employment opportunities for its people, the provision of security and a conducive environment for businesses to thrive is not negotiable,” he added.

The APC candidate also urged his supporters not to lose confidence in democratic institutions, saying the party was consulting its leaders and stakeholders on its next course of action following the election result.

He said the APC would continue to seek justice and fairness through lawful and constitutional channels, particularly regarding the electoral process.

“The 2026 governorship election has come and gone. However, following the official declaration of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission, efforts were set in motion leading to wider consultations with our elders and critical stakeholders for the next step forward,” Oyebamiji said.

He further appealed to APC leaders and members in Osun to remain united as the party begins preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Oyebamiji called for the strengthening of the party’s structures and mobilisation of members towards the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu and the emergence of other APC candidates in the state.

“We must close ranks, strengthen our structures and work tirelessly to secure incontrovertible victories for Mr President and all our candidates in Osun State,” he said.

Adeleke was declared winner of the August 15 governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Returning Officer for the state, Professor Joshua Ogunwole.

The governor secured 511,067 votes to defeat Oyebamiji, who finished second with 444,815 votes.