A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has said that the victory of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji in Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti will be replicated in Osun on August 15.

Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo, Oyintiloye described Oyebanji’s victory as well deserved.

He said the outcome of the election was a resounding endorsement of the governor’s performance and the people’s mandate, describing it as a historic triumph achieved with an unprecedented margin in the Ekiti governorship elections.

According to him, the result reflects the people’s confidence in progressive governance, noting that Oyebanji’s administration has remained focused on development, inclusiveness and the welfare of citizens.

Oyintiloye said the APC’s victory in Ekiti signalled the party’s popularity and expressed confidence that it would secure an even more decisive win in the Osun governorship election.

He commended the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by its National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, for providing strategic leadership that continues to strengthen the party nationwide.

“The Ekiti result has shown that when a party remains united, focused and committed to grassroots engagement, victory becomes inevitable.

“It is a clear lesson for us in Osun that teamwork, dedication and collective responsibility are indispensable for electoral success,” he said.

Oyintiloye urged APC members and supporters in Osun to remain united and committed, stressing that every member has a role to play in ensuring victory at the polls.

He also acknowledged the role of the party leader in Osun, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former governor of the state, for sustaining the party since the 2022 governorship election.

He noted that Oyetola had maintained engagement with party members, stakeholders and interest groups, thereby strengthening the party’s structure and boosting confidence ahead of the August 15, poll.

Oyintiloye said the party’s mobilisation strategy remained robust and result-oriented, aimed at reconnecting with the electorate and consolidating support across all wards and local government areas.

He expressed optimism that the people of Osun would support the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, whom he described as competent, experienced and people-oriented.

“The people of Ekiti have reaffirmed their belief in progressive governance.

“By the grace of God, the people of Osun will do the same on August 15 by electing Oyebamiji as the next governor of the state,” he said.

“The victory secured by the APC in Ekiti will be replicated in Osun. The party is widely accepted by the people, and this is a clear signal to the ruling party to brace for defeat.

“Our candidate is ready, the party is ready and the electorate are ready to repeat the same victory in Osun,” he said.

He added that the Ekiti victory had boosted the morale of APC members in Osun and urged opposition parties to support the APC.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Oyebanji the winner of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

The governor was re-elected after polling 319,224 votes, defeating his closest rivals, Olumayokun Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, across the 16 local government areas in the state.

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has appealed to Chief Bode George to rejoin the ‘party’s mainstream leadership structure’ to reposition it ahead of 2027.

Mr Hakeem Olalemi, State Organising Secretary of the faction, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos on Sunday.

NAN reports that George, a former PDP deputy national chairman, is aligned with the Dr Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, backed by Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

George has been a fierce critic of Wike and his actions regarding the PDP since the beginning of the leadership crisis in the party.

Olalemi, who spoke on the state of the party and preparations for the 2027 general elections in the state, said George remained a respected leader and an integral member of the PDP family despite ongoing disagreements within the party.

According to him, George’s experience and contributions to the PDP make him a vital asset to the party.

Olalemi said it was important for the former party national officer to remain within the party’s mainstream leadership structure for progress.

“Chief Bode George is always welcome in the PDP. We have great respect for him and there is room for him within the party.

“Chief Bode George loves PDP. He cannot leave PDP. He is coming back to the mainstream to work for the party’s progress.

“He is our father. He is a foundation member; nobody can ask where he is coming from. We will welcome him back to the fold,” he said.

Olalemi said the PDP remained a united family despite differences among some leaders and members.