According to Suleiman, the party reached the decision based on professional legal advice on Arugungu’s eligibility as the governor’s running mate.

“The present Deputy Governor was dropped as the running mate to Governor Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu for the 2027 general election based on professional legal advice,” he said.

Suleiman further stated that the decision was reached with the understanding and consent of the current Deputy Governor of the state, adding that there was no disagreement between the governor and his deputy.

He called on politicians, APC members, and supporters across the state to accept the development and work together for the party’s success in the 2027 election.

Speaking with journalists after the event, Governor Nasir Idris also dismissed any suggestion of a disagreement between him and the outgoing deputy governor.

The governor assured party members and supporters that he would work with the new running mate and urged them to remain united and focused on the state’s development.

Ibrahim Muhammad Augie is a former Commissioner for Finance in Kebbi State during the administration of former Governor Atiku Bagudu. He hails from Augie Local Government Area.

The opposition party maintained that the electoral process extends beyond voting and declaration of results to the courts where necessary.

The statement read, “We are not unaware of the fact that election is a process which begins at the registration of the voters through the primary election to the election proper, which extends to the tribunal, the Appeal Court and terminates at the Supreme Court.

“An election cannot be said to have been concluded without having explored all these constitutionally allowed legal opportunities to enrich the nation’s jurisprudence as enshrined in the Electoral Act 2026 as amended.”

The opposition party further stated that, after consulting its lawyers, it would consider all options available under the Electoral Act.

It commended its members and supporters for their loyalty and urged them not to be discouraged by the outcome announced by INEC.

The party also appealed to its supporters across Osun State to remain peaceful and avoid responding to any form of provocation.

“As a result of the foregoing, we are imploring our ever loyal members and supporters to remain calm while they carry on with their businesses and refuse to respond to any provocative action or inaction from any of the members of the ruling party across the state,” it said.

The APC further assured its members that the party was still considering its options.

“It is necessary to assure our members and supporters to remain steadfast about the current situation and have it in mind that it is not over until it is over,” the statement added.

APC charged the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to protect its members and supporters, alleging that some of them were being harassed by members of the opposition

The incumbent Osun governor, who contested the poll on the platform of the Accord, defeated his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who won in 11 LG areas of the state.

While Adeleke won in Ede North, Ede South, Ejigbo, Iwo, Egbedore, Ife North, Ife East, Ife Central, Oriade, Ifelodun, Orolu, Ayedaade, Ayedire, Odo Otin, Boluwaduro, Ilesa West, Ifedayo, Osogbo and Ayedire local government areas.

Oyebamiji, however, won in Irewole, Isokan, Olorunda, Atakumosa East, Atakumosa West, Ilesa East, Boripe, Irepodun and Obokun local government areas.

Declaring the results, Ogunwole said, “Accredited voters, 1010684, total votes received by political parties, A, 511067, AA, 2308, AAC, 1458, ADC, 17180, ADP, 2946, APC, 444815, APGA, 1475, APM, 234, APP, 114, BP, 111, NNPP, 118, PRP, 83, SDP, 155, YPP, 534, ZLP, 2482, total valid votes, 985079, rejected votes, 207, total vote cast, 1,005,800.”

After agents of the political parties have signed the results of the election, the Returning Officer declared Adeleke of the Accord as the winner of the poll.

“That Ademola Nurudeen-Jackson Adeleke having satisfied the requirements of the law is hereby declare the winner of the August 15 Governorship election and returned elected,” Ogunwole said.

The candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the poll, Najeem Salaam, came third in the poll.