The victory of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in the August 15, 2026 governorship election has remained unchallenged after the 21-day constitutional period for filing petitions expired without any challenge at the election tribunal.
The deadline elapsed on Saturday, with none of the 14 political parties that lost the election filing a petition before the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
Adeleke, who contested under the Accord, was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) State Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, after polling 511,067 votes.
His closest challenger, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, secured 444,815 votes.
Although 15 political parties participated in the election, the tribunal, which opened its office at the State High Court premises in Oke Fia, Osogbo, received no petition before the statutory deadline expired.
The development followed Oyebamiji’s public congratulatory message to Adeleke, in which he acknowledged the governor’s victory while assuring APC supporters that the party would remain active in the state.
Addressing APC leaders, members and supporters in Osogbo last Saturday, Oyebamiji urged the party to immediately shift its focus to the 2027 general elections.
He called for stronger party structures, greater unity among the various tendencies within the APC and increased grassroots mobilisation ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The APC candidate also urged members to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid and other APC candidates contesting elective positions in Osun State in 2027.
While congratulating Adeleke on the outcome declared by INEC, Oyebamiji urged APC members to remain committed to democratic principles and not lose faith in the party because of the defeat.
He said the party must consolidate its existing structures, expand its grassroots presence and strengthen internal unity.
He commended APC members and supporters for their loyalty and resilience throughout the campaign and election.
Oyebamiji further appealed to Adeleke, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to protect residents and their property irrespective of political affiliation.
He also condemned alleged harassment, intimidation and attacks against APC members, supporters and their businesses, warning that such actions could undermine peace, development and investment in Osun State.
