Osun Poll: APC Chieftain Calls for Unity After Election Defeat

Former lawmaker representing Obokun State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has urged members and leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State to remain united and committed despite the party’s defeat in the recent governorship election.

Oyintiloye made the call in Osogbo on Monday, August 17, 2026, following the victory of the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, in Saturday’s election. He said the result should not make APC members lose confidence or abandon the party, but should instead push them to review their performance and prepare better for future elections.

Adeleke was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission after securing 511,067 votes, while the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, received 444,815 votes.

Reacting to the outcome, Oyintiloye advised APC members to return to the grassroots, engage directly with voters and work on areas where the party needs improvement. He said the party should use the experience gained from the election to strengthen its organisation across the state.

The former lawmaker also praised President Bola Tinubu for his involvement and support for the party during the election period. He said the President’s role helped to boost the morale of APC members and gave the party’s structures renewed confidence.

Oyintiloye further commended former Osun State Governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for remaining committed to the APC and continuing to support the party’s members and structures in the state.

He also acknowledged the contributions of James Faleke, the lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, particularly his involvement in mobilisation and party organisation during the election. The APC chieftain equally recognised the efforts of the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, and other leaders, stakeholders and supporters who worked for the party.

According to Oyintiloye, the APC’s ability to secure more than 444,000 votes against a sitting governor showed that the party still has a strong base in Osun State. He urged members to see the result as a reason to work harder rather than withdraw from political activities.

He called for greater unity among party members and urged leaders to listen more closely to the concerns of voters at the ward and local government levels.

Oyintiloye said the party must also remain disciplined and focused as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. He maintained that political success depends not only on winning a particular election but also on building lasting structures and maintaining contact with the people.

He urged party members who may be disappointed by the election result to remain patient and committed to the APC. He said the party had gained useful experience from the contest and could use those lessons to improve its chances in future elections.

Oyintiloye added that the APC’s next task should be to study the election carefully, identify its weaknesses, strengthen its grassroots network and work towards rebuilding public confidence across Osun State.

He said the party should remain focused on the future and avoid internal divisions that could weaken its structure, stressing that the outcome of one election should not determine the long-term direction of the party in the state.