Osun Poll: Oyebamiji Yet to Congratulate Adeleke, Raises Alarm Over Attacks on APC Supporters

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has yet to congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, despite calls from political leaders for him to acknowledge the victory.

 

President Bola Tinubu, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, several APC governors and other party leaders have congratulated Adeleke following his victory in Saturday’s governorship election.

 

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, also urged Oyebamiji on Monday to congratulate the governor.

 

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, Oyebamiji focused on appreciating APC members and supporters while calling on security agencies to intervene over alleged attacks on party members.

 

Oyebamiji commended APC supporters for their commitment and sacrifices during the election, saying he remained grateful to those who supported his candidacy and the party’s vision for the state.

 

“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 thanked voters who supported his campaign, as well as volunteers, party leaders and members who worked for the APC during the election.

 

Oyebamiji urged his supporters to remain committed to the party and continue contributing to the development of Osun State, saying the causes they championed during the campaign remained relevant.

 

He also appealed to his supporters to remain calm and peaceful as they went about their activities following the election.

 

However, he raised concerns over what he described as increasing hostility and violence against APC 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,” Oyebamiji alleged.

 

He called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intervene and halt what he described as an emerging trend of violence.

 

“Consequently, I urge the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intervene and arrest this ugly trend without delay,” he said.

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission had declared Adeleke the winner of the election on Sunday.

 

The governor secured 511,067 votes to defeat Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.