Why we must sustain faith in democracy despite Osun election defeat — by Bola Oyebamiji

Dear party members and supporters, you will recall that towards the end of 2025, I declared my intention to contest for the governorship ticket of our great party, the APC.

Following extensive consultations with party members across all levels and fruitful engagements with critical stakeholders across the state, we approached the primary election with diligence, unity and confidence. With your support and trust, I emerged as the governorship candidate of our great party in December 2025.

From that moment, the various tendencies within our party put aside their differences, recalibrated and repositioned themselves towards the singular objective of securing victory for the APC.

Our campaign train traversed every part of the state, taking our Prosperity Agenda to the people and engaging with all strata of our society, including civil servants, retirees, artisans, students, youths, entrepreneurs, women, professionals, the sporting community, persons living with disabilities, as well as religious and faith-based organisations. It was a campaign driven by hope, inclusion and our determination to build a more prosperous Osun.

At this point, I must recall with immense pain the unwarranted violence perpetrated against our people before, during the campaign and, particularly, in the aftermath of the August 15, 2026, governorship election.

While these senseless acts of violence may have been intended to intimidate and instil fear in our supporters and members, you remained courageous and steadfast in your convictions and exercised your constitutional rights as citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

On this note, with a heavy heart, I recall the gruesome killings of Hon. Remi Abass, former Chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, in Ikire; Chief Gbenga Ogbara, Chairman of the APC in Atakumosa Local Government Area; Mr. Dele Ayegbo, nephew of Hon. Wole Oke, Director-General of our 2026 Governorship Campaign Council; and more than 35 other victims.

Consequently, I call on the Nigeria Police Force to thoroughly investigate these killings and bring the perpetrators to justice. Painfully, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives due to political violence and assure them of my continued solidarity and support. In this painful period of grief, you will not be abandoned.

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.

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.

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. There are disturbing reports of attacks on small and medium-sized businesses because of the perceived political affiliations or non-allegiance of their owners to the Accord Party. This is clearly condemnable and unacceptable.

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.

Dear supporters and party faithful, 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 people, including our elders and critical stakeholders, on the next step forward.

As a party committed to the rule of law, we shall continue to pursue justice and fairness through lawful and constitutional means, particularly in relation to our electoral processes.

I therefore urge you not to be discouraged or despair. We must remain resolute, sustain our faith in democracy and continue to have confidence in the institutions established to protect our democratic rights.

Consequently, as we commence mobilisation and preparations for the re-election of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and other candidates of our party in the general election, I humbly call on you, the leaders, members and supporters of our party, to rededicate yourselves to the task ahead. We must close ranks, strengthen our structures and work tirelessly to secure incontrovertible victories for Mr. President and all our candidates in Osun State.

In conclusion, I salute your courage, resilience and steadfast commitment to our party and to the Prosperity Agenda that we represent. Democracy is not an end in itself; it is a means through which the aspirations and welfare of the people can 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, where opportunities are accessible to all, and where governance serves the greater good of our people rather than narrow or clannish interests. Thank you all.

God bless the All Progressives Congress.

God bless Osun State.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, the 2026 Osun APC governorship candidate, addressed supporters on Saturday in Osogbo