The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has accepted the outcome declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while raising concerns over alleged attacks on members and supporters of the party after the election.
Oyebamiji said he respected INEC’s declaration and supported the decision of the APC to review the outcome of the August 15 governorship election.
The incumbent governor and Accord Party candidate, Ademola Adeleke, was declared winner after polling 511,067 votes, while Oyebamiji secured 444,815 votes.
In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, Oyebamiji thanked APC leaders, members, supporters, volunteers and voters for their commitment to his campaign and for supporting what he described as an alternative vision for the state.
He said although the APC had hoped for a different result, the party would respect the electoral process while reviewing the outcome.
“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.
“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 former commissioner also urged his supporters to remain peaceful and continue to contribute positively to their communities, stressing the importance of the collective interest of Osun State.
However, Oyebamiji expressed concern over what he described as an increase in hostility and violence against APC members and supporters following the election.
“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.
According to him, alleged attacks recorded against APC supporters before the election had intensified in the 24 hours following the poll.
He called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to urgently intervene and protect residents, particularly members and supporters of the APC who he alleged were being targeted.
Oyebamiji also appealed to his supporters to remain calm, avoid confrontation and continue with their activities peacefully.
While acknowledging the election result, he said he remained proud of the campaign and expressed gratitude to voters, volunteers, party members and leaders who supported his candidacy.
“I remain proud of the campaign we ran,” he said, adding that he was grateful to those who placed their confidence in him and the APC.
His comments come as the APC reviews the outcome of the election and determines its next course of action following Adeleke’s victory.
Oyebamiji’s acceptance of INEC’s declaration, coupled with his appeal for calm and call for security intervention, comes amid efforts to prevent post-election tensions from escalating across the state.
