I support APC’s decision to review Osun election – Oyebamiji
OSOGBO, Nigeria — Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the recent governorship election in Osun State, expressed disappointment with the election results while confirming the party’s commitment to uphold the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Oyebamiji stated that the party had hoped for a different outcome but acknowledged INEC’s authority regarding the election results. He voiced full support for the APC’s ongoing review of the electoral process.
“Although we had hoped for a different outcome in the election, we respect the position of the electoral umpire and I fully support the decision of our party in its ongoing review,” Oyebamiji said.
The candidate also took the opportunity to thank voters and supporters for their commitment during 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 added.
Oyebamiji specifically recognized the efforts of the volunteers who contributed to his campaign, describing their dedication as something he would “forever cherish.” He encouraged his supporters to continue advocating for the principles and values championed throughout the campaign, emphasizing the importance of ongoing contributions to the state’s development.
“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 work for effective, inclusive, and rapid development of our dear Osun,” he stated.
Moreover, Oyebamiji raised concerns about recent incidents of hostility and violence targeting APC members and supporters following the election. He claimed that these alleged attacks have intensified over the past 24 hours and called upon state authorities and security agencies to take immediate action.
“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.”
Oyebamiji urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to act swiftly to prevent any further escalation of violence.
He concluded his statement by reaffirming his gratitude to all voters, supporters, and party members for their dedication throughout the campaign, expressing pride in the efforts made.
The election results, announced by INEC on Sunday, revealed that Ademola Adeleke was declared the winner after receiving 511,067 votes. Oyebamiji finished in second place with 444,815 votes. Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secured a distant third place with 17,180 votes.
Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, INEC’s Returning Officer and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, announced that out of the total valid votes cast—985,079—20,721 votes were rejected, bringing the overall tally to 1,005,800 votes cast.
This report was prepared by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
