A group, Osun APC Restoration Forum has reaffirmed Adegboyega Oyetola as the party’s political leader in the state despite the August 15 governorship election loss.

The Secretary of the forum, Johnson Ajilore, stated this at a media briefing in Lagos on Sunday.

Mr Ajilore said that Mr Oyetola who is the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State governor’s contributions deserved recognition and respect.

He said that his experience remained valuable to the party’s future, particularly in its quest to reclaim the mandate.

Mr Ajilore said, “Before, during and after the August 15 governorship election, he demonstrated great leadership and continued to show commitment to the party, its members and its future in the state.

“His conduct throughout this period has, in our view, reflected political maturity, restraint and a deep understanding of the responsibilities of leadership.”

Mr Ajilore, therefore, commended Mr Oyetola for his contributions to the growth and stability of the party.

He called on members of the APC to use the outcome of the August 15 governorship election in the state as an opportunity for reconciliation and rebuilding rather than division.

Mr Ajilore said that the party needed sober reflection, genuine reconciliation and structural rebuilding following the outcome of the election, rather than grandstanding and blame games.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted the off-cycle governorship election in Osun State on August 15.

The commission declared the Accord Party candidate and incumbent Governor, Ademola Adeleke, winner of the election, returning him for another term after defeating the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

Mr Ajilore said the forum was particularly concerned about what he described as the grandstanding by some individuals following the party’s performance in the election.

He stated that members of the forum were proud to have delivered their wards and local government areas to APC in the election, citing Ilesa East, Atakumosa East and Atakumosa West Local Government Areas.

The secretary urged party members to identify their weaknesses, examine their failures, strengthen grassroots structures and reconnect with the people.

Mr Ajilore also cautioned that the process must not be driven by vendettas, political opportunism or attempts to settle old scores.

He called on APC members, leaders and stakeholders in Osun State to demonstrate maturity and discipline, stressing that the party belonged to all its members and its future should not be sacrificed for individual ambitions.

“We must build bridges rather than burn them, reconcile rather than alienate, and strengthen rather than weaken our structures,” he said.

Mr Ajilore also urged members to recognise and respect those who consistently demonstrated commitment to the party.

He said that the forum remained committed to unity, restoration, reconciliation and progress within the APC. (NAN)