Osun Guber: Oyebamiji Silent on Adeleke Win, Cries Out Over Supporters' Attacks

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the recent Osun State governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, has maintained his silence regarding Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election victory, despite numerous calls for him to offer his congratulations. High-ranking political figures and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, several APC governors, and other party leaders, have already extended their felicitations to Governor Adeleke.

On Monday, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also publicly urged Oyebamiji to acknowledge Adeleke’s win in Saturday’s poll. However, in a statement released on Tuesday, the APC candidate chose to express gratitude to his party loyalists and supporters. He also appealed to security agencies to intervene and put a stop to what he described as ongoing attacks targeting members and supporters of the APC.

Oyebamiji, whose statement was obtained by The PUNCH in Osogbo on Tuesday, highlighted a disturbing increase in hostility and violence directed at APC members and their allies. Despite these concerns, he lauded his party members for their unwavering resolve, dedication, sacrifices, and tireless efforts throughout the governorship election period.

“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,” Oyebamiji stated. “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.”

He continued, acknowledging 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. 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 encouraged his supporters to remain committed to adding value, asserting that the causes he championed are still relevant. He reaffirmed his pledge to continue working towards the effective, inclusive, and rapid development of Osun State, urging all who stood with the party and campaign to persist in their efforts for the APC.

Further addressing his supporters, Oyebamiji added, “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.”

According to The PUNCH, the incumbent Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, was officially declared re-elected by Professor Joshua Ogunwole, the State Returning Officer for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Sunday. Governor Adeleke secured victory with a total of 511,067 votes, surpassing Oyebamiji, who garnered 444,815 votes.