The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has remained silent on Governor Ademola Adeleke’s call for him to congratulate him on his re-election.
According to The Punch, Oyebamiji’s position came despite appeals from prominent political figures and groups urging him to acknowledge Adeleke’s victory in Saturday’s governorship election.
President Bola Tinubu, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, several APC governors and other party leaders have already congratulated Adeleke on his victory.
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, also appealed to Oyebamiji on Monday to congratulate the governor.
However, rather than directly addressing the call, Oyebamiji, in a statement issued on Tuesday, thanked APC members and supporters for their efforts during the election and called on security agencies to act against what he described as attacks on party supporters.
Oyebamiji said there had been an increasing pattern of hostility and violence against APC members and supporters in the state.
He commended party members for their dedication and sacrifices throughout the campaign and 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 urged his supporters to remain committed to the causes promoted during his campaign, stressing that the issues he championed remained relevant.
Oyebamiji also pledged to continue working towards effective, inclusive and rapid development in Osun State while urging APC members to remain committed to the party.
He further appealed for calm and peaceful conduct among his supporters following the election.
“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.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke the winner of the election after the State Returning Officer, Prof Joshua Ogunwole, announced the results on Sunday.
Adeleke secured 511,067 votes, defeating Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.
