…Urges calm, calls for police intervention
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the just concluded Osun State election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has called on his supporters to remain calm and peaceful while expressing support for the party’s decision to review the outcome of the poll.
Oyebamiji, in a statement on Tuesday, appreciated APC members, leaders, supporters, volunteers and voters who backed his candidacy and the alternative vision presented to the people of the state during the electioneering period.
The APC candidate’s statement followed the declaration of the Accord Party candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke, as winner of the August 15 governorship election. Adeleke polled 511,067 votes across the state, while Oyebamiji scored 445,815 votes, according to results reported after the conclusion of collation.
Oyebamiji said although he and members of his campaign had hoped for a different outcome, he respected the position of the electoral umpire and supported the APC’s ongoing review of the election result.
“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 APC candidate expressed gratitude to voters who trusted his campaign, as well as party members, leaders and volunteers who worked for his victory.
He said the conclusion of the election did not mark the end of the struggle for the values and development agenda promoted during his campaign.
“However, 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,” Oyebamiji stated.
He urged his supporters to remain engaged and continue working for the collective interest of the state despite the outcome of the election.
Oyebamiji, however, raised concern over what he described as a growing trend of hostility and violence against APC members and supporters in the aftermath of the election.
According to him, attacks witnessed in the build-up to the election had taken another dimension within the 24 hours following the poll.
He consequently called on the Osun State Government, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to urgently intervene and prevent further escalation.
“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.
He urged his supporters to remain calm and peaceful while going about their normal activities, even as he called for the protection of all citizens irrespective of their political affiliations.
Oyebamiji also thanked APC leaders and members across Osun for what he described as their steadfastness, sacrifice and commitment throughout the campaign.
The APC candidate, who had expressed confidence in his chances of victory before the election, ultimately finished behind Adeleke in the poll. Before the election, reports had described the contest between the two leading candidates as a closely watched two-horse race.
He concluded by assuring his supporters that he remained proud of the campaign they ran and grateful for the confidence reposed in him.
“God bless you all. God bless Osun State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
