Oyebamiji Thanks Supporters, Raises Alarm Over Attacks on APC Members

The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for the August 15 Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has reported a new wave of violence against APC members and supporters after the election.

Oyebamiji called on the Osun State Government and security forces to step in and stop what he described as increasing hostility and attacks on APC members.

He made this statement on X on Tuesday, addressing APC supporters and leaders in the state after the election that saw incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke emerge as the winner.

Oyebamiji said while the APC had hoped for a different result, he respects the electoral body's decision and supports the party's choice to review the outcome.

He stated, "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 expressed gratitude to voters, party members, leaders, and volunteers who backed his campaign. He appreciated their faith in the alternative vision he presented to the people of the state.

He said the end of the election should not stop efforts to better Osun State. Oyebamiji noted, "However, 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."

He urged APC members and supporters to stay active and keep working for their communities' interests.

Yet, Oyebamiji expressed worry about alleged attacks on APC members, stating that things have gotten worse since the election.

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."

He claimed that attacks on APC members before the election have escalated within 24 hours after the voting.

He added, "The violence attacks on our members witnessed in the build-up to the election have taken another dimension in the last 24 hours."

Oyebamiji then called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to act quickly.

He urged, "Consequently, I urge the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intervene and arrest this ugly trend without delay."

He also asked his supporters to stay calm and peaceful as they go about their activities during this post-election period.

The APC candidate thanked party members and supporters for their dedication throughout the campaign and expressed pride in their efforts.

In the election, Adeleke received 511,067 votes, defeating Oyebamiji, who got 444,815 votes. This gave Adeleke a margin of 66,252 votes.

Adeleke won in 19 out of Osun’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured 11.

This result grants Adeleke a second term after he previously defeated the APC candidate, Gboyega Oyetola, in the 2022 governorship election.

Oyebamiji, also known as AMBO, served as Commissioner for Finance under former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola. He later became the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority.