Three aggrieved candidates of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Kebbi State have denied allegations that they are being sponsored to undermine the party’s governorship candidate, Abubakar Malami.

The candidates, Abubakar Sadiq Sa’adu Fakai, Muhammad Umar and Nafiu Bello Shuwa, are challenging in court their alleged replacement after emerging as candidates from the party’s primaries.

In a statement jointly signed on Saturday, the candidates described allegations that they were being sponsored to cause a crisis in the party as baseless.

They also accused some party members of forging affidavits and other documents purportedly indicating that they had voluntarily withdrawn their candidacies.

“For clarification’s sake, we are not fighting Malami, ADC, or anybody, but we remain undeterred in our legal struggle to reclaim our stolen mandates by the alleged forgers in our party, whom we believe are not after the success of our party,” they said.

Fakai, who spoke on behalf of the candidates, said allegations that they were being sponsored would not deter them from pursuing their cases in court.

He maintained that they remained valid candidates and were exercising their right to seek redress through the courts and other lawful channels.

Fakai further alleged that the purported forgery went beyond an internal party dispute, describing it as a criminal offence punishable by law.

He also accused those claiming to support Malami and the ADC of engaging in actions capable of creating divisions within the party and undermining the governorship candidate’s chances.

The three candidates reaffirmed their loyalty to the ADC and other members of the party whom they described as lawful and loyal, while maintaining their resolve to pursue their legal challenges.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory.

Oyebamiji spoke on Saturday in Osogbo while addressing APC leaders, members and supporters on the outcome of the election and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The APC candidate also called on Governor Adeleke, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to take immediate steps to end killings, harassment and intimidation of APC members and supporters.

Oyebamiji expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support before, during and after the governorship election, while commending former Governor Bisi Akande for his counsel and support.

He also praised the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his efforts in repositioning the APC in the state.

Recalling his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate in December 2025, Oyebamiji said various tendencies within the APC subsequently put aside their differences and worked towards a common objective of securing victory for the party.

“The campaign covered all parts of Osun State, engaging civil servants, retirees, artisans, students, youths, entrepreneurs, women, professionals, sporting groups, persons living with disabilities and religious organisations.”

Oyebamiji, however, expressed concern over the violence before, during and particularly after the election.

He recalled the killings of former Irewole Local Government Chairman, Remi Abass; APC Chairman in Atakumosa Local Government, Chief Gbenga Ogbara; Dele Ayegbo, nephew of the Director-General of the APC Governorship Campaign Council, Wole Oke; and more than 35 other victims.

He called on the Nigeria Police Force to thoroughly investigate the killings and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice, while extending condolences to the families of victims of political violence.

While congratulating Governor Adeleke and joining Osun State in commemorating its 35th anniversary, Oyebamiji urged the governor to fulfil his constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of residents.

He condemned attacks on APC members, supporters and businesses based on perceived political affiliations, saying such actions must stop.

“The senseless killings, harassment and intimidation of members and supporters of our party must therefore stop forthwith,” Oyebamiji said.

The APC candidate said the party would continue to pursue justice and fairness through lawful and constitutional means, particularly regarding the electoral process.

He urged APC members not to be discouraged by the outcome of the election but to remain committed to democracy and to have confidence in institutions established to protect their democratic rights.

Oyebamiji subsequently called on APC leaders, members and supporters across Osun State to begin preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu.

He urged party members to close ranks, strengthen the party’s structures and work towards securing victories for Tinubu and other APC candidates in Osun State.

Oyebamiji also commended APC members for their resilience and commitment, adding that the party would continue to pursue its vision of a greater Osun where resources are equitably deployed, opportunities are accessible to all and governance serves the broader interests of the people.