Osun Poll: Oyebamiji Breaks Silence, Raises Alarm Over Attacks on APC Supporters

The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in the Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has yet to respond to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s call for him to congratulate him on his re-election.

Adeleke, who was declared winner of Saturday’s governorship election, had urged his major challenger to acknowledge the outcome and congratulate him.

President Bola Tinubu, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, several APC governors and other political leaders have already congratulated Adeleke on his victory.

On Monday, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also appealed to Oyebamiji to congratulate the governor following the declaration of the result.

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, Oyebamiji did not address the congratulatory call. Instead, he thanked APC members and supporters for their commitment during the election and raised concerns over alleged attacks against party members.

The APC candidate said the party’s supporters had demonstrated determination and sacrifice throughout the campaign despite the eventual outcome of the election.

He said although his campaign had hoped for a different result, he respected the position of the electoral umpire and supported the APC’s decision to review the election outcome.

Oyebamiji also expressed appreciation to voters who supported his candidacy, as well as volunteers, party leaders and members who contributed to the campaign.

“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.

He urged his supporters to remain committed to the causes promoted during the campaign, saying his vision for effective, inclusive and rapid development of Osun State remained relevant.

Oyebamiji also appealed to his supporters to remain calm and peaceful as the state enters the post-election period.

However, he alleged that hostility and violence against APC members and supporters had increased in the aftermath of the election.

According to him, attacks witnessed before the election had taken a new dimension in the 24 hours following the poll.

He therefore called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intervene immediately and prevent further violence.

Adeleke was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission after polling 511,067 votes against Oyebamiji’s 444,815 votes.

The result gave Adeleke a winning margin of 66,252 votes.