The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has said he respects the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission following his defeat in the August 15 election.
Oyebamiji, in a message posted on X on Tuesday, also expressed appreciation to APC leaders, members and supporters who backed his campaign. The APC candidate lost to incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, who contested under the Accord Party. Adeleke secured 511,067 votes, while Oyebamiji polled 444,815 votes.
Reacting to the result, Oyebamiji accepts defeat while noting that he had hoped for a different outcome. He said he respected INEC’s position and supported the APC’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,” he said.
Oyebamiji thanked voters, volunteers, party members and leaders who contributed to his campaign. He said he remained grateful to those who believed in the alternative vision presented during the election. According to him, although the campaign and election had ended, the issues and values promoted during the campaign remained relevant.
“The campaign has come to an end and the election is over, but the values and causes we championed are alive,” he said.
He added that he would continue working towards what he described as effective, inclusive and rapid development in Osun State.
The former commissioner also called on his supporters to remain peaceful and actively involved in their communities. He urged them to continue working for the collective interest of the state despite the election outcome.
However, Oyebamiji raised concerns about alleged attacks targeting APC members and supporters after the election. He called on the state government and security agencies to address what he described as a growing atmosphere of hostility against members of his party.
“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 against APC supporters before the election had “taken another dimension in the last 24 hours.” He consequently appealed to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intervene. The APC candidate also urged his supporters to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities.
Oyebamiji said he was proud of the campaign conducted by his team and expressed gratitude to everyone who supported his candidacy. His response comes as the APC continues its review of the election outcome following Adeleke’s victory.
