The African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate, Olajide Esan, has vowed that his political movement will return stronger after his defeat in the August 15 Osun governorship election.

Esan made the declaration in a statement posted on his X account on Sunday, thanking Osun residents who supported his campaign under the Irapada Osun movement.

The AAC candidate said the movement was not established solely to win an election but to promote what he described as the awakening of the people and their liberation.

He criticised the influence of money in Nigerian politics, arguing that the “monetisation of politics” would not permanently silence the movement.

Esan, who received backing from AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore during the campaign, said the movement would continue its push for what it described as better governance in Osun.

“This is only the beginning, we will be back stronger, better, and more steadfast in our fight to restore good governance back to the people.”

Esan polled 1,458 votes, finishing eighth among the 15 candidates who contested the election.

The election was won by incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, who secured 511,067 votes, while APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji polled 444,815 votes. ADC candidate Najeem Salaam came third with 17,180 votes.