The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the just-concluded Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has urged party members and supporters to remain calm and peaceful following the outcome of the poll.
In a post-election statement, Oyebamiji called on the state government, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate alleged attacks on APC members and supporters across the state.
Oyebamiji acknowledged that the APC had expected a different result but said the party would respect the position of the electoral body while reviewing the outcome 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 former APC candidate expressed appreciation to voters who supported his campaign, as well as party leaders, members and volunteers who worked for the party during the electioneering period.
Oyebamiji said the end of the campaign and election would not stop the APC from pursuing the development objectives it presented to the people of Osun State.
He maintained that the party would continue to advocate effective, inclusive and rapid development across the state.
“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. 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.
Oyebamiji also expressed concern over what he described as increasing hostility and violence against APC members and supporters following the election.
He alleged that attacks on party members witnessed before the election had continued and taken another dimension in the aftermath of the poll.
While urging his supporters to remain peaceful, he called on security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further violence.
“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,” Oyebamiji said.
He thanked APC leaders, members, volunteers and voters for their sacrifices and commitment throughout the campaign, adding that he remained proud of the campaign and grateful for the confidence placed in him by supporters.
