The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, has broken his silence following his defeat by incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Oyebamiji, in a statement posted on his verified X handle on Tuesday, said he respected the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which declared Adeleke the winner of the election.
Adeleke secured 511,067 votes to defeat Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes in the keenly contested election.
Reacting to the outcome, the APC candidate expressed appreciation to party leaders, supporters and members across Osun State for their commitment throughout the campaign.
Oyebamiji said he remained grateful to everyone who believed in the alternative vision his campaign presented to the electorate.
“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.
The former commissioner, however, maintained that the conclusion of the election would not bring an end to the issues and values that shaped his campaign.
“The campaign has come to an end and the election is over, but the values and causes we championed are alive.
“We will continue to work for effective, inclusive and rapid development of our dear Osun,” he added.
Oyebamiji’s comments come as the APC continues to review the outcome of the election and consider its next steps.
The statement also appears to leave room for the party’s position to determine how it proceeds following Adeleke’s victory, while Oyebamiji has urged his supporters to remain committed to the broader development goals for which he campaigned.
