The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the just-concluded Osun State election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has appealed to party members and supporters to remain calm and peaceful following the outcome of the poll.
According to reports, the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, won the election with 511,067 votes, defeating Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes.
In a message to APC leaders, members and supporters across the state, Oyebamiji said he respected the decision of the electoral umpire while backing the party’s move to review the outcome of the election.
He commended party leaders, members, volunteers and voters who supported his candidacy, saying their dedication and sacrifices throughout the campaign would remain deeply appreciated.
“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 said the conclusion of the campaign and election did not mark the end of the values and causes his campaign represented.
He said he and his supporters would continue to work towards achieving “effective, inclusive and rapid development” in Osun State.
Oyebamiji urged party members and supporters to remain engaged, organised and committed to pursuing the collective interest of the state.
However, he expressed concern over what he described as an escalating wave of hostility and violence against APC members and supporters following the election.
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According to him, attacks on party members, which he said were recorded during the build-up to the election, had intensified within 24 hours of the poll.
“The violent attacks on our members witnessed in the build-up to the election have taken another dimension in the last 24 hours,” he said.
He called on the Osun State Government, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to urgently intervene and stop what he described as an “ugly trend.”
While appealing for peace, Oyebamiji urged his supporters to continue with their daily activities without resorting to violence or confrontation.
He expressed appreciation to voters who supported his candidacy, as well as APC leaders, members and volunteers who contributed to the campaign.
“I remain proud of the campaign we ran and grateful for the confidence you reposed in me,” he said.
Oyebamiji wished his supporters, the people of Osun State and Nigeria well.
