Osun Election: Oyebamiji Accepts INEC Position, Backs APC Review of Result

Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Osun State governorship election, has acknowledged the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after his defeat by incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Oyebamiji spoke in a statement shared on his X account on Tuesday, three days after the August 15 election.

The Accord Party candidate, Adeleke, was declared the winner with 511,067 votes, ahead of Oyebamiji, who recorded 444,815 votes.

Following the declaration, Oyebamiji thanked APC leaders, members, supporters, volunteers and voters who stood behind his campaign. He also expressed appreciation to those who believed in the alternative agenda he presented during 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.

According to him, while the election and campaign have ended, the issues and principles that guided his campaign remain relevant.

“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,” he said.

He appealed to APC supporters to maintain peace, remain engaged with their communities and continue to promote the interests of Osun State.

Oyebamiji, however, raised an alarm over what he described as increasing hostility and violence against APC members and supporters after the election.

“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 further alleged that attacks on APC supporters before the election had “taken another dimension in the last 24 hours.”

The former APC candidate called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to take action, while urging his supporters to remain calm.

Oyebamiji also expressed gratitude to the electorate, volunteers, party members and leaders who supported his bid, saying he was “proud of the campaign we ran” and thankful for the confidence they placed in him.

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