Embassy66 News
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji has conceded victory to Adeleke Ademola’s Accord party. The APC lost to Accord in a landmark victory on Saturday August 15,
According to the figures cited, Adeleke of the Accord Party polled 511,067 votes, while Oyebamiji of the APC secured 444,815 votes.
Political analyst and lawyer, Comrade Embassy-Oseni Momodu Kadiri, attributed the APC’s defeat to several factors, including the controversy surrounding EFCC actions against the Osun government, the baggage of the party’s previous administration, overreliance on federal influence, and inadequate grassroots mobilisation.
Momodu noted that Adeleke’s incumbency advantage, strong grassroots structure and alliances with opposition forces, including the reported understanding with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), strengthened his position.
He also argued that endorsements by prominent politicians did not automatically translate into votes, stressing that some influential APC figures reportedly lost their own polling units despite publicly backing Oyebamiji.
He, however, cautioned against interpreting the Osun result as a direct prediction of the 2027 general elections, noting that the APC retains a broad national political structure.
Edo and Okpebholo’s 2.5 Million Votes Pledge
Momodu said the Osun outcome should nevertheless serve as a warning to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who has pledged 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in 2027, with a promise to resign if the target is not achieved.
He urged the governor to strengthen internal party cohesion, reconnect with grassroots voters, encourage voter registration and implement meaningful youth empowerment programmes.
According to him, infrastructure alone will not guarantee electoral support, as Edo’s voting pattern has remained unpredictable since 1999.
“Governor Okpebholo should not be carried away with the illusion that all is well. If he intends to fulfil the 2.5 million votes pledge, he must address internal cohesion, rebuild public trust and develop a political narrative capable of attracting voters beyond party lines,” Kadiri said.
He described the Osun election as an important lesson for the APC, urging the party to reassess its strategies, strengthen grassroots engagement and develop a more convincing campaign narrative ahead of 2027.