The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in the recently concluded Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has appealed to members and supporters of the party to remain calm and peaceful following the outcome of the poll.
Oyebamiji, in a post-election statement, also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate alleged attacks on APC members and supporters across the state.
The former Commissioner for Finance commended APC leaders, members, volunteers and voters for their commitment to his campaign, saying their support for the party’s development agenda would remain memorable.
He acknowledged that the APC had expected a different outcome but said the party would respect the position of the electoral body while reviewing the result of the election.
“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 expressed appreciation to voters who supported his campaign, as well as party members and volunteers who worked across the state.
“I am deeply grateful to every voter who placed their trust in our vision, to the volunteers who gave their time and energy, and to you committed party members and leaders across the state who turned out to energise our campaign,” he added.
He said that although the election and campaign had ended, the issues and development objectives promoted by the APC would remain relevant to the party’s activities.
According to him, the party would continue to advocate effective, inclusive and rapid development across Osun State.
“The campaign has come to an end and the election is over, but the values and causes we championed are alive,” Oyebamiji said.
He urged party members to remain engaged with their communities and continue working for the collective interest of the state.
The APC candidate, however, expressed concern over what he described as increasing hostility and violence against members and supporters of the party following the election.
He said the alleged attacks witnessed before the election had continued and called on the state government and security agencies to take immediate action.
“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,” he said.
“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 thanked voters, party leaders, members and supporters for their sacrifices throughout the campaign, saying he remained proud of the campaign conducted by the APC and appreciative of the confidence reposed in him.