Osun Election: Oyebamiji Accepts INEC Position After Defeat
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has said he respects the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after his defeat.
Oyebamiji made the statement on Tuesday, three days after the August 15 governorship election.
The APC candidate reacted to the result in a message shared on his X account.
Ademola Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, was declared the winner after polling 511,067 votes. Oyebamiji finished second with 444,815 votes.
Reacting to the outcome, Oyebamiji thanked APC leaders, members, supporters and volunteers who backed his campaign.
He said his campaign had offered voters an alternative vision for the state.
“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 added that the end of the election would not end the issues and values promoted by 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.
The APC candidate also urged his supporters to remain peaceful and active in their communities.
Oyebamiji raises concern over alleged attacks
Despite accepting INEC’s position, Oyebamiji raised concerns about alleged attacks on APC members and supporters after the election.
He called on the Osun State Government and security agencies to address what he described as growing hostility against members of his party.
Also Read: FG to Evacuate 83 Nigerians From South Africa Amid Xenophobia
“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,” Oyebamiji said.
He alleged that attacks recorded before the election had “taken another dimension in the last 24 hours.”
Oyebamiji therefore appealed to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intervene.
He also urged his supporters to remain calm and continue with their activities peacefully.
The APC candidate thanked voters and party members who supported his campaign, saying he remained proud of the campaign despite the election outcome.
He said he was grateful to those who placed their confidence in his candidacy.
