Osun APC Candidate Oyebamiji Meets Tinubu for First Time After Election Defeat

Osun APC Candidate Oyebamiji Meets Tinubu for First Time After Election Defeat

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the recent Osun State governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, just one day after incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party visited the President to present his Certificate of Return. The meeting comes amid heightened political tensions following the election results, which declared Adeleke the winner. Oyebamiji’s visit underscores the APC’s ongoing review of the electoral process and its commitment to peaceful engagement despite the outcome.

During the meeting, Oyebamiji emphasized the need for peace among political actors in Osun State, urging all stakeholders to maintain calm and avoid confrontation. He revealed that President Tinubu advised him to approach the situation with a peaceful mindset, reinforcing the idea that governance must be centered on the welfare of the people. “I met with the President, and what he said was that the most important thing is to run every election with a peaceful mind,” Oyebamiji told newsmen after the meeting.

He stressed that Nigerians must recognize that government is ultimately about serving the people, and therefore, peace should be the top priority. “It is important for us Nigerians to know that government is about the people, and because of that, it is important that we should be peaceful,” he added. Oyebamiji also appealed directly to residents of Osun State, urging them to remain calm and refrain from any actions that could lead to unrest or violence.

The APC candidate further stated that his party is still reviewing the election results and examining the official records and documentation related to the poll. He assured the public that the party will make its position known in due course, following a thorough assessment of the available evidence. This move indicates that the APC may be considering legal or administrative challenges to the election outcome, although no formal announcement has been made yet.

In a show of responsibility, Oyebamiji also called on Governor Adeleke to use his influence to ensure his supporters remain disciplined and peaceful. He urged the incoming governor to prevent any form of violence or incitement that could destabilize the state. As Osun State prepares for a potential transition of power, the appeals for calm from both sides signal an effort to uphold democratic principles and protect public safety.

This development highlights the critical role of national leadership in mediating post-election tensions, especially as Nigeria continues to navigate complex political landscapes. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the election result stands or if legal recourse is pursued, but for now, peace remains the central theme in discussions across Osun and beyond.