Osun poll: Don’t be discouraged, APC chieftain tells party members

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Ex-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 the state not to become weary, following its defeat in last Saturday’s governorship poll.

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The APC chieftain said the election outcome should not be seen solely as a defeat, but as an opportunity for the party to consolidate its gains, strengthen its structures, and address areas requiring improvement ahead of future polls.

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PUNCH Online reports that the incumbent Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, was returned elected by the State Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday, Prof Joshua Ogunwole.

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Adeleke won the governorship poll with a total of 511,067, to defeat Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress who polled 444, 815 votes.

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Oyintiloye, in a statement obtained in Osogbo on Monday, implored members of the party to remain united, disciplined and focused, calling on them to return to the grassroots, listen to the people and build on the momentum generated by the election.

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He commended President Bola Tinubu’s intervention and support before and during the election, describing it as a significant demonstration of leadership and commitment to the party’s growth in the state.

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Oyintiloye said Tinubu struck a balance between his role as party leader and Head of State, demonstrating the traits of a true democrat without being partisan.

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“The President’s intervention provided the APC family in Osun with renewed confidence and stronger hope, while energising the party’s various organs and structures across the state. APC’s performance, despite being the opposition party in the state, demonstrated that the party remained firmly rooted across Osun.

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“The party’s performance of more than 444,000 votes against an incumbent government was a significant political statement and evidence that the progressive family remained a formidable force in the state.

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“That demonstrates that the APC is firmly on the ground and has a strong political structure capable of producing an even stronger outing in the 2027 general elections. Our members and leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the state must not become weary; they must not be discouraged,” Oyintiloye said.

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He commended the immediate past governor of the state and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, for his steadfastness, encouragement and continued commitment to the progressive family in Osun.

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Oyintiloye also commended the member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, James Faleke, for his inspiring gesture, party organisational experience and capacity for grassroots mobilisation during the Osun governorship poll.

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He said Faleke’s contributions were strategically significant to the party’s structures, noting that his impact within the short period would remain indelible in the minds of stakeholders in the state.

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He equally appreciated the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, for his leadership role, contributions and continued efforts toward strengthening the party’s structures.

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He said the contributions of these leaders, alongside those of other party leaders, stakeholders, candidates, members and supporters, deserved recognition and appreciation.

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“Your sacrifices, commitment and encouragement did not go unnoticed. The result may not have been what we desired, but the political strength we have demonstrated is undeniable.

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“Despite the outcome, we have built a strong political tower that will be difficult for any camp to defeat. What we have built is bigger than one election. We have strengthened our structures, tested our capacity and demonstrated our resilience.

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“Our responsibility now is to learn from the outcome, remain united and prepare for the future. Politics is not about winning every election. It is about building enduring structures, maintaining the confidence of the people and remaining prepared for the next opportunity,” he said.

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