By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has issued a strong warning against any attempt to manipulate or undermine the outcome of Saturday’s election as collation of results begins across the state.
Oyebamiji, in a statement issued on his X handle, urged his supporters and residents to remain calm but vigilant, insisting that the votes cast by Osun residents must be protected until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concludes the process.
The APC candidate said the election represented the culmination of extensive efforts by his supporters and the people of the state, stressing that no individual or group should be allowed to compromise the mandate expressed through the ballot.
“Do not allow anyone, under any guise or through any means, to subvert the will of the people or undermine the mandate they have freely chosen to give us in today’s election,” Oyebamiji said.
His warning came as the electoral process moved into the crucial results-collation phase, with political parties and their supporters closely monitoring the figures emerging from polling units across Osun’s 30 local government areas.
Oyebamiji also appealed for restraint, urging his supporters not to resort to confrontation or actions capable of undermining the peace of the state.
“Let us remain peaceful, watchful and confident as we await the final outcome. May the will of the people prevail,” he said.
The APC candidate thanked Osun residents for turning out to vote, describing their participation as an important exercise of their civic responsibility.
He also commended security agencies and INEC for what he described as their professionalism and commitment to their duties during the election.
“We have come a very long way, and today, I am deeply encouraged that our collective efforts are yielding results,” Oyebamiji said.
He urged voters to remain attentive throughout the collation process and protect the integrity of the votes already cast rather than allowing tensions to escalate.
The APC candidate did not declare himself winner in the statement but expressed confidence that the process would produce an outcome reflecting the choice of Osun voters.
“We have come too far to allow our collective efforts to be compromised,” he said, urging supporters to remain “peaceful, watchful and confident” until the final outcome is announced.
