The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s Osun governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, says he supports the party’s decision to review the outcome of the poll.
Oyebamiji stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo, saying the party had hoped for a different result but respected the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said, “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.”
The APC candidate thanked voters who supported his candidacy, as well as party leaders, members, volunteers and other supporters who participated in the campaign.
Oyebamiji said the campaign might have ended with the election, but the values and issues it promoted remained relevant to the development of Osun State.
He urged his supporters to remain committed to the state’s progress, saying, “We will continue to work for effective, inclusive and rapid development of our dear Osun.”
However, Oyebamiji expressed concern over alleged attacks on APC members and supporters following the election.
He said the alleged violence had increased in the past 24 hours and called on the state government and security agencies to intervene.
“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.
He urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to act quickly to prevent further escalation.
INEC declared the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, the winner of the election in the early hours of Sunday.
Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes.
The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, came third with 17,180 votes.
INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, said 985,079 valid votes were recorded, while 20,721 votes were rejected, bringing the total votes cast to 1,005,800.
Oyebamiji said he remained proud of the campaign and appreciated those who supported his candidacy.
