The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has said he respects INEC’s decision after losing the governorship election. Oyebamiji spoke in a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday. The statement came three days after the August 15 election.
Oyebamiji reacts to election defeat
The Accord Party candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke, won the election with 511,067 votes. Oyebamiji scored 444,815 votes to finish second.
Reacting to the result, Oyebamiji thanked APC leaders, members and supporters across the state for their commitment to his campaign. He said he remained grateful to those who believed in the alternative vision presented by his campaign during 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,” he said.
Oyebamiji said the end of the election would not end the issues and values that guided his campaign.
“The campaign has come to an end and the election is over, but 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 also urged his supporters to remain peaceful and stay engaged in their communities. He asked them to continue working for the collective interest of the state.
Oyebamiji raises alarm over attacks
However, the APC candidate raised concerns over alleged attacks on party members and supporters after the election. He called on the state government and security agencies to address what he described as growing hostility towards APC supporters.
“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.
Oyebamiji alleged that attacks recorded before the election had “taken another dimension in the last 24 hours.”
He therefore called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intervene. He also urged his supporters to remain calm.
The APC candidate thanked voters, volunteers, party members and leaders who supported his campaign. He said he remained “proud of the campaign we ran” and grateful for their confidence.
Read also: Tinubu congratulates Adeleke, says Osun victory reflects people’s will
