The African Action Congress (AAC) candidate for the Osun State governorship election, Olajide Esan, has expressed determination to return stronger in future political contests following his defeat in the August 15 election. In a message shared on social media, Esan thanked the citizens of Osun for their support during his campaign, emphasizing that his movement aimed to foster a broader awakening among the populace rather than merely securing electoral victory.

Esan, who led the Irapada Osun movement, articulated that the initiative was founded on principles of liberation and empowerment for the people of Osun. "The Vision Outlives the Election: When we launched the IRAPADAOSUN movement under the banner of the African Action Congress (AAC), it was not based on the narrow goal of winning an election, it was based on something that is far greater: THE AWAKENING OF THE MINDS AND TRUE LIBERATION OF OUR PEOPLE," he stated.

During the campaign, Esan received support from the AAC's presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and took a strong stance against the pervasive influence of money in politics. He criticized the current political climate, stating that the monetization of politics by wealthy individuals would not silence the AAC's movement indefinitely. Esan remarked, "The monetization of politics by the moneybags won’t silence us forever. Even though our people are trapped by weaponized hunger, poverty and ignorance that have been fashioned against them, the tide is turning, and the grip that the oppressors have on the people is loosening."

In the election results, Esan secured 1,458 votes, finishing in eighth place among 15 candidates. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party emerged victorious with 511,067 votes, defeating his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who garnered 444,815 votes. Adeleke dominated the election by winning 19 out of the 30 local government areas in the state, while Oyebamiji claimed victory in 11.

Despite the setback, Esan remains optimistic about the future of the AAC and its mission. He concluded his message by assuring supporters that this defeat is merely a stepping stone, stating, "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."