The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Saturday’s Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has said the party had hoped for a different outcome but would respect the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Oyebamiji, in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday in Osogbo, also expressed support for the APC’s decision to review the outcome of the election.
“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.
The APC candidate thanked voters who supported his candidacy, as well as party leaders, members, volunteers and other supporters who contributed to the campaign.
“I appreciate the many people who believed in and supported the alternative vision we articulated.
“I am deeply grateful to every voter who placed his or her trust in our vision,” he said.
Oyebamiji also commended the volunteers who contributed their time and energy to the campaign, alongside APC members and leaders across the state.
“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,” he stated.
He said although the election and campaign had ended, the ideals that informed his campaign remained relevant, urging his supporters to continue contributing to the development of Osun State.
“The campaign has come to an end and the election is over, but the values and causes we championed are alive.
“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,” he said.
The APC candidate, however, expressed concern over what he described as increasing hostility and violence against members and supporters of the party following the election.
According to him, the alleged attacks had assumed a new dimension in the 24 hours preceding his statement, prompting him to call on the state government and security agencies to intervene.
“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.
“The violent attacks on our members witnessed in the build-up to the election have taken another dimension in the last 24 hours,” he said.
Oyebamiji consequently urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further escalation.
“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.
Recall that INEC, in the early hours of Sunday, declared Ademola Adeleke the winner of the election after he polled 511,067 votes to defeat Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes.
The INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, who declared the results at the INEC collation centre, said the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, came third with 17,180 votes.
Ogunwole, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, said the total valid votes cast were 985,079, while 20,721 votes were rejected, bringing the total number of votes cast to 1,005,800.
