The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has broken his silence on the outcome of Saturday’s election, saying although his party expected a different result, it would respect the declaration of the Independent National Electoral Commission while reviewing the poll.
Oyebamiji, in a statement personally signed on Tuesday in Osogbo, also threw his weight behind the APC’s ongoing examination of the election outcome, keeping alive the possibility of further political or legal steps by the opposition party.
“Although we had hoped for a different outcome in the election, in the meantime, we respect the position of the electoral umpire and I totally support the decision of our party in its ongoing review,” he said.
His remarks came after INEC declared incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke winner of the governorship contest.
Oyebamiji used the statement to thank voters who supported his candidacy as well as APC leaders, members and volunteers who worked for the campaign across the state.
“I appreciate the many people who believed in and supported the alternative vision we articulated,” he said.
“I am deeply grateful to every voter who placed his or her trust in our vision.”
He also praised campaign volunteers and party members for what he described as their commitment, sacrifice and energy throughout the electioneering period.
“To the volunteers who gave their time and energy, and to our committed party members and leaders across the state who turned out to energise our campaign, I appreciate you all,” Oyebamiji stated.
The former governorship candidate said the conclusion of the election should not bring an end to the ideas and development agenda promoted during the campaign.
“The campaign has come to an end and the election is over, but the values and causes we championed are alive,” he said.
“I urge my supporters to continue to contribute to the development of the state. We will continue to work for effective, inclusive and rapid development of our dear Osun.”
Oyebamiji, however, raised concerns over what he described as increasing hostility and violence directed at APC members and supporters in the aftermath of the poll.
According to him, alleged attacks recorded before the election had intensified within the previous 24 hours.
“At the same time, I wish to alert the State Government and security agents to the growing trend of hostility and violence against our members and supporters,” he said.
“The violent attacks on our members witnessed in the build-up to the election have taken another dimension in the last 24 hours.”
He called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intervene swiftly and prevent any escalation of post-election tension.
Oyebamiji again expressed appreciation to those who supported his campaign, saying he remained proud of the effort despite the electoral defeat.
“Once again, I thank every voter, supporter, party member and leader for your unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and support.
“I remain proud of the campaign we ran and grateful for the confidence you reposed in me,” he said.
INEC had in the early hours of Sunday declared Adeleke winner after he polled 511,067 votes, defeating Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes.
The African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam, finished a distant third with 17,180 votes.
Announcing the result at the state collation centre, the Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, said 985,079 valid votes were recorded while 20,721 ballots were rejected, bringing the total votes cast to 1,005,800.
Oyebamiji’s statement effectively combines acceptance of INEC’s declaration with support for his party’s continuing review, ensuring that while the ballots have been counted, the political contest over the Osun governorship election may not yet be completely over.
