Osun Election: Oyebamiji Backs Party Review, Raises Alarm Over Attacks On APC Supporters

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the just-concluded Osun State election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has backed the party’s decision to review the outcome of the election, while raising the alarm over alleged attacks on APC members and supporters across the state.

Oyebamiji, in a statement to supporters on Monday, said although he and members of his campaign had hoped for a different outcome, he respected the position of the electoral umpire and fully supported the party’s ongoing review of the election.

He said, “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.”

The APC candidate also expressed appreciation to voters who supported his candidacy, as well as party leaders, members, volunteers and other supporters who worked throughout the campaign.

“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,” he said.

Oyebamiji also commended the volunteers who contributed their time and energy to the campaign, describing their commitment as something he would “forever cherish.”

“To the volunteers who gave their time and energy, and to our committed party members and leaders across the state who turned out to energize our campaign, I appreciate you all,” he stated.

He, however, said the end of the election should not mark the end of the campaign’s ideals, urging his supporters to remain committed to the development of Osun State.

“However, the campaign has come to an end and the election is over, but the values and causes we championed are alive,” Oyebamiji said.

He added that his supporters should continue to contribute to the development of the state, saying, “We would continue to work for effective, inclusive and rapid development of our dear Osun.”

The former Commissioner further urged APC members and supporters to remain engaged and vigilant, stressing that their responsibility to the state goes beyond the electoral contest.

“I urge all of you who stood by our party and campaign to keep working for our community, to stay engaged, to continue to organize and to remain vigilant for the collective good of our state,” he said.

Oyebamiji, however, expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of hostility and violence against APC members and supporters following the election.

He said the alleged attacks had assumed a new dimension in the last 24 hours, urging the state government and security agencies to intervene.

“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.

According to him, “The violent attacks on our members witnessed in the build-up to the election has taken another dimension in the last 24 hours.”

Oyebamiji consequently called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further escalation.

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

He also appealed to his supporters to remain calm and peaceful despite the alleged attacks, urging them to go about their normal activities while the party reviews the election outcome.

“Once again, I thank every voter, supporter, party member and leader for your unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and support,” Oyebamiji said.

He added, “I remain proud of the campaign we ran and grateful for the confidence you reposed in me.”