The All Progressives Congress candidate in the Osun State governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, has yet to respond to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s call for him to congratulate him on his re-election, despite calls from prominent political figures and groups for him to acknowledge the victory.
President Bola Tinubu, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, several APC governors and other party leaders have since congratulated Adeleke on his victory.
On Monday, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, also urged Oyebamiji to congratulate Adeleke, following the governor’s victory in Saturday’s election.
In a statement made available on Tuesday, the APC candidate, instead, appreciated the party loyalists and supporters and urged security agencies to intervene and halt alleged attacks on members and supporters of the party.
Oyebamiji, in a statement obtained by The PUNCH in Osogbo on Tuesday, noted a growing trend of hostility and violence against members and supporters of the APC.
He, however, commended the members for their steadfastness, commitment, sacrifice, and tireless efforts throughout the governorship election.
“Dear supporters, members and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, I commend you all for your steadfastness, commitment, sacrifice, and tireless efforts throughout the just-concluded governorship election.
“Your unwavering support for my candidacy and your belief in the prosperity agenda we presented to the people of Osun are experiences I will forever cherish.
“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.
“Consequently, I appreciate the many people who believed in and supported the alternative vision we articulated. I am deeply grateful to every voter who placed his or her trust in our vision.
To the volunteers who gave their time and energy, and to our committed party members and leaders across the state who turned out to energise our campaign, I appreciate you all,” Oyebamiji said.
He called on his supporters to continue adding value, saying the causes championed by him are still alive.
He promised to continue to work for effective, inclusive and rapid development of Osun, urging all those who stood by the party and campaign to keep working for the APC.
Oyebamiji further said, “As events unfold, I urge all of you to remain calm and peaceful as you go about your daily activities in the post-election period.
“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.
“The violent attacks on our members witnessed in the build-up to the election have taken another dimension in the last 24 hours.
“Consequently, I urge the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intervene and arrest this ugly trend without delay.”
News reports that the incumbent Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, was returned elected by the State Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday, Prof Joshua Ogunwole.
Adeleke won the governorship poll with a total of 511,067, to defeat Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.
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