Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has urged the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in the Osun governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, to congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election.
Bamidele, who is also Chairman of the National Assembly Southwest Caucus, made the call in a statement following the outcome of the August 15 governorship election.
He said Oyebamiji should reach out to Adeleke and also offer policy suggestions that could contribute to the development of Osun State.
Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, was declared winner after polling 511,067 votes.
Oyebamiji of the APC scored 444,815 votes.
Bamidele congratulated Adeleke on his victory, saying the outcome of the election reflected the choice of Osun voters.
He urged the governor to see the renewed mandate as a responsibility to unite residents of the state and promote peace and inclusive governance.
According to the Senate Leader, Adeleke should extend a hand of fellowship to other candidates and political parties following the conclusion of the contest.
Bamidele also said the election provided useful lessons for the APC as the ruling party prepares for the 2027 general election.
He stressed the need for stronger internal unity within the party, wider engagement with voters and more effective communication of the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Bamidele said the APC must deepen its relationship with different sections of society, including traders, artisans, farmers, youths, women, civil society groups and traditional institutions.
“Our engagement approach must be all-encompassing and leave no one behind,” he said.
The Senate Leader also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the conduct of the election.
He maintained that despite losing the governorship contest, the APC remained an important stakeholder in the progress and development of Osun.
Bamidele expressed confidence that the election would strengthen democratic participation and contribute to the economic, social and technological development of the state.
