Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the Osun State election has supported his party’s decision to review the outcome of the poll, while urging his supporters to remain calm and peaceful.
Oyebamiji, who lost the August 15 election to incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, said although he had hoped for a different result, he respected the position announced by the electoral umpire.
In a statement on Tuesday addressed to APC supporters, members and leaders across Osun, the former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) said he “totally” supported the party’s ongoing review 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 of the outcome of the election,” Oyebamiji said.
He expressed appreciation to voters who supported his candidacy, as well as volunteers, party members and leaders who contributed to his campaign.
Oyebamiji said the election may be over, but the principles and development agenda promoted by his campaign remained relevant.
“Although the campaign has come to an end and the election is over, the values and causes we championed are alive. We would continue to work for effective, inclusive and rapid development of our dear Osun,” he said.
He urged his supporters to remain engaged in their communities and continue working toward what he described as the collective good of the state.
The APC candidate also raised concerns over alleged attacks on members and supporters of the party following the election.
Oyebamiji said the violence allegedly recorded during the election build-up had worsened in the 24 hours after the poll and called for urgent intervention by security agencies.
“The violence attacks on our members witnessed in the build-up to the election has taken another dimension in the last 24 hours,” he said.
He subsequently urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to act against what he described as an “ugly trend.”
“I urge the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intervene and arrest this ugly trend without delay,” Oyebamiji added.
He also appealed to his supporters to avoid confrontation and continue their daily activities peacefully as the post-election process unfolds.
“As events unfold, I urge all of you to remain calm and peaceful as you go about your daily activities in the post-election period,” he said.
Adeleke won the election with 511,067 votes, defeating Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes. African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam came third with 17,180 votes.
