The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has denied allegations linking the party and its governorship candidate, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, to the recent wave of political violence rocking the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Speaking in Osogbo on Sunday, APC chieftain and former lawmaker, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, described the accusations as politically motivated, alleging that some desperate individuals were attempting to damage the party’s reputation for personal and electoral gains.

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He maintained that the APC has no connection with any individual or group involved in violence, intimidation, or attacks while claiming to represent the party.

Oyintiloye said the APC remains guided by the Omoluabi philosophy, which promotes integrity, discipline, honesty, justice, accountability, compassion, and selfless service, stressing that violence has never been part of the party’s political culture.

He condemned the recent killings in the state, insisting that no political contest or ambition should result in the loss of innocent lives.

According to him, the party completely rejects violence, lawlessness, and bloodshed in any form, adding that those behind the attacks should immediately abandon such acts because elections should never be decided through fear or violence.

The APC leader further stated that the party does not require intimidation or bloodshed to secure victory at the polls, expressing confidence that it can earn the people’s mandate through peaceful democratic participation.

He also dissociated the APC from anyone using the party’s name to commit criminal acts, warning that such individuals were acting for their own interests and not on behalf of the party.

Oyintiloye reaffirmed that the APC believes in the rule of law, peaceful coexistence, credible elections, and the constitutional right of citizens to freely choose their leaders without intimidation.

He appealed to party supporters, political stakeholders, security agencies, and residents of the state to remain calm, obey the law, and support ongoing investigations into the recent violence.

The APC chieftain also urged security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the killings and other criminal acts are identified and prosecuted, while calling on all political actors to place the peace, unity, and development of Osun State above partisan interests.

He expressed sympathy to families who lost loved ones during the violence and prayed for strength and comfort for those affected by the tragic incidents.

The renewed appeal comes amid rising political tension in Osun State, where a series of violent attacks have claimed several lives as campaigns intensify ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The Osun State Police Command has, however, assured residents that security operatives are working to restore calm and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The African Action Congress (AAC) candidate for the Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chioma Ifemeludike, has withdrawn from the 2027 senatorial race, citing personal convictions and recent developments she believes are inconsistent with her principles.

Ifemeludike, who also serves as the Deputy National Chairperson (South-East) of the AAC, emerged as the party’s consensus candidate during its primary election held in May.

She announced her withdrawal in a letter addressed to the party’s Acting National Chairperson, requesting that her name be removed from all records, processes and considerations relating to the Anambra Central Senatorial District senatorial candidature.

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In the letter, she said, “I hereby formally notify the National Working Committee and the leadership of the African Action Congress of my decision to withdraw my interest and aspiration to contest for the office of Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District under the platform of our great party in the 2027 General Elections.”

According to her, the decision followed careful reflection and aligns with her personal convictions, principles and commitment to justice, accountability and the protection of vulnerable members of society.

She explained that recent events further reinforced her decision, particularly what she described as the role played by Doris Ogala Umezurike in matters relating to the case of Baby Testimony and his physically challenged mother.

Ifemeludike stated, “I believe that the circumstances surrounding the matter contributed to prolonged distress, public embarrassment, and continued suffering for the child’s mother, while raising serious questions about the pursuit of justice for the child.”

She added that the incident had a major impact on her decision to abandon her senatorial ambition.

“These concerns have significantly influenced my decision to step away from my senatorial aspiration and focus on advocating for accountability, justice, and the protection of vulnerable members of society,” she said.

The AAC chieftain also appealed to the party leadership to ensure that her name is withdrawn from every process connected with the Anambra Central Senatorial District senatorial candidature.

Despite stepping down from the contest, Ifemeludike expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the African Action Congress for the opportunity and support they extended to her throughout the nomination process.

She reaffirmed her loyalty to the party, saying she remains committed to working for its success and the advancement of its vision, principles and objectives.

“Please accept my assurances of continued commitment to the vision, principles, and objectives of our great party,” she added.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to candidates who emerged victorious in the June 20, 2026, bye-elections conducted across Rivers, Enugu, Nasarawa, Ondo and Kano states.

The commission announced the development in a statement shared on its official X platform on Tuesday, confirming the formal recognition of the successful candidates as duly elected representatives.

The certificates were presented on behalf of the INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, by the Supervising National Commissioner for Rivers State, May Agbamuche-Mbu.

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Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Agbamuche-Mbu congratulated the winners and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by their constituents through effective representation and responsive leadership.

She noted that the primary duty of elected officials is to serve the people faithfully and ensure that the interests of their communities are adequately represented at all times.

According to her, voters have entrusted the successful candidates with a mandate that comes with responsibility, accountability and dedication to public service.

“The primary responsibility of elected officials is to serve the people diligently and ensure their interests are well represented,” she said.

INEC stated that the issuance of the Certificates of Return officially affirms the candidates as winners of their respective elections and marks the conclusion of the electoral process.

The electoral body further disclosed that Certificates of Return would also be presented to winners of the Kebbi State House of Assembly election for Zuru Constituency as well as the Ekiti State governorship election.

It added that National Commissioners representing the affected constituencies conducted the presentations, formally confirming the elected candidates as duly returned winners.

The commission expressed optimism that the newly elected officials would work towards improving the welfare of their constituents and contribute positively to democratic governance in their respective states.

The June 20 bye-elections were held to fill vacant elective positions across several states, with INEC overseeing the conduct of the polls and subsequent declaration of winners.

The presentation of the Certificates of Return now paves the way for the successful candidates to assume office and begin carrying out the responsibilities attached to their mandates.