APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji backs review of Osun poll, urges supporters to remain peaceful and calls for action over alleged attacks on members.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the Osun State election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has called for calm among party members while backing the APC’s decision to scrutinise the outcome of the recently concluded poll.
Oyebamiji, while reacting to the development to supporters, said the result was not what his camp had expected. He nevertheless acknowledged the position announced by the electoral authorities, stressing that the APC would now examine the process and outcome of the election.
His position comes as the party begins a review of the election, amid concerns raised by some of its members over developments surrounding the poll.
According to the former commissioner, the decision to review the result was appropriate, and he expressed his readiness to support whatever steps the party might take after assessing the outcome.
“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.
Oyebamiji, however, devoted a significant part of his message to thanking the people who supported his candidacy during the election.
He said the backing received from voters demonstrated that many residents connected with the alternative political direction presented by his campaign.
The APC candidate also recognised the contributions of party leaders and members who worked at different levels to mobilise support for his candidacy.
He said their involvement was crucial to the campaign and appreciated the effort made by supporters despite the challenges encountered during the electioneering period.
“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,” Oyebamiji said.
He also reserved special praise for campaign volunteers, whose activities, according to him, helped drive the campaign across the state.
The former commissioner said those who sacrificed their time and energy for the campaign deserved recognition, alongside APC leaders and members who actively participated in the mobilisation process.
“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,” he added.
Oyebamiji further sought to reassure his supporters that the end of the election would not bring an end to the issues his campaign sought to address.
He maintained that the ideas and aspirations presented to the people during the campaign remained relevant even after the votes had been counted.
Rather than asking his supporters to disengage from public affairs, he encouraged them to remain involved in their communities and continue advocating for what they believe would improve the state.
“The campaign has come to an end, and the election is over, but the values and causes we championed are alive,” he said.
He added that the pursuit of development should continue beyond the electoral contest.
“We would continue to work for effective, inclusive and rapid development of our dear Osun,” Oyebamiji stated.
The APC candidate also urged his supporters to maintain a sense of responsibility toward their communities, regardless of the outcome of the election.
He asked party members to remain organised and vigilant, while continuing to engage with developments affecting the people of Osun.
Oyebamiji said political participation should not begin and end with election campaigns, urging his supporters to maintain their commitment to the state.
“I urge all of you who stood by our party and campaign to keep working for our community, to stay engaged, to continue to organise and to remain vigilant for the collective good of our state,” he said.
However, the former commissioner raised a separate concern over alleged incidents of violence involving APC members and supporters.
He claimed that party members had faced hostility during the period leading up to the election and alleged that the situation had worsened since the poll ended.
Oyebamiji said the development required the immediate attention of government authorities and security agencies before it could escalate further.
He specifically appealed to the Osun State Government and security operatives to take measures to safeguard residents and prevent further incidents.
“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 alleged incidents were no longer limited to the period before the election, as he claimed that fresh attacks had been recorded within 24 hours after 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,” Oyebamiji alleged.
He consequently appealed to the Nigeria Police Force and other security formations to investigate the situation and take appropriate action.
The APC candidate said prompt intervention was necessary to prevent the alleged violence from spreading and to ensure that political differences did not threaten the safety of citizens.
“Consequently, I urge the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intervene and arrest this ugly trend without delay,” he stated.
Oyebamiji’s message therefore combined appreciation for those who supported his campaign with a call for continued political engagement and an appeal for greater security.
While accepting that the election had reached its conclusion, he maintained that the APC had the right to examine the result and determine its next line of action.
He also urged his supporters to remain peaceful and focused as the party carries out its review.
For Oyebamiji, the immediate priority extends beyond the electoral result. He stressed the need to preserve peace, protect citizens and sustain efforts toward the development of Osun State.
His comments are expected to further shape the APC’s response as the party examines the outcome of the governorship contest and considers its options going forward.
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