Osun Poll: Oyebamiji Has No Record of Violence, Says APC Chairman

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun West Senatorial District, Hon. Oluremi Akintola Omolaoye, has said the party’s governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has no history of political violence.

Omolaoye made the assertion amid concerns over recent political tension and reports of sporadic gunshots in Ile-Ife following the APC’s “Walk to Win” rally.

He spoke on Thursday during the Osun West Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s district office in Iwo, where party leaders and members resolved to strengthen unity and work collectively toward victory in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

According to him, reports of unrest and gunshots in parts of the state should not be linked to the APC, which he described as a peaceful and law-abiding political party.

“The sporadic gunshots I read about might be politically motivated, but I believe the security agencies must have brought the situation under control by now. We appeal to all citizens and residents of Osun State to remain calm because the perceived unrest has subsided,” he said.

Responding to allegations linking the APC to political violence, Omolaoye insisted that the progressive camp had never been associated with such acts.

“AMBO is a gentleman. If you examine the history of political violence in the state, you will find that it cannot be traced to the progressive family. The sporadic gunshots reported in Ife cannot be linked to the APC. We are not known for violence,” he stated.

“We are known for peace, serenity, friendship and respect for humanity and the sanctity of human life.”

The APC chieftain expressed confidence in Oyebamiji’s ability to address insecurity and protect lives and property if elected governor.

“I have no doubt that he will put all necessary measures in place to ensure security and safeguard lives and property across the state,” he said.

Omolaoye explained that the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to promote unity within the party and mobilise support ahead of the governorship election.

“The purpose of this meeting is to ensure that our house is in order, especially in Osun West Senatorial District, where, by the grace of God, we have our candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji,” he said.

He urged aggrieved members to put aside their differences and work for the success of the party.

“Let us bury our differences and work together to secure a resounding victory for our candidate on August 15. No one should remain angry. Let us move forward as one united family and support our candidates,” he said.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by Omolaoye, party leaders and stakeholders resolved to close ranks and work together for electoral success.

The communiqué urged members to operate with one spirit under a united party and called on party leaders across the three federal constituencies in Osun West to complement the efforts of the decentralised campaign committees established by the APC.

It also expressed optimism about victory in the forthcoming governorship election, future elections and the 2027 presidential poll.

Also speaking, former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bade Falade, said the meeting was organised to mobilise party members and reconcile stakeholders who were dissatisfied with the outcome of the party’s governorship primary.

“The purpose of this gathering is to appeal to those who may feel aggrieved by the primary election to put the past behind them, unite and work together to ensure victory for our party in the forthcoming governorship election,” he said.

Falade expressed confidence that Osun West would deliver overwhelming support for the APC candidate.

“Osun West is the home district of our candidate, and we are fully committed to delivering the district for him. It is the turn of Osun West to produce a progressive governor, and we are solidly behind that mandate,” he said.

On concerns about political violence, Falade noted that security agencies were already handling the situation while assuring that APC members would remain law-abiding.

“You cannot underestimate the issue of political violence at a critical period like this. However, law enforcement agencies are on top of the situation, and we continue to encourage our members to remain peaceful and law-abiding,” he said.

Falade further described Oyebamiji as the most qualified among those who contested the APC governorship primary, citing his experience in public service and the private sector.

“He served as Commissioner for Finance and also had a successful career in the banking sector as a financial manager. I believe he possesses the experience and competence required to govern the state effectively,” he said.

Also speaking, one of the APC senatorial aspirants in Osun West, Brigadier General B.B. Adewinbi (retd.), called on party members to remain united behind the governorship candidate.

“AMBO is destined to occupy the Government House. By the grace of God, he will emerge victorious,” Adewinbi said..