Despite the warm congratulations by President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Accord Party, winner of Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Osun State, his party, the APC says it is reviewing the results before deciding whether to challenge the outcome in court.
The party said the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not prevent it from using the legal process to contest alleged irregularities.
The APC announced its position in a statement issued in Osogbo on Sunday by its spokesperson, Kola Olabisi.
The party said it would consult its legal team and consider the constitutional and legal options available to it.
“We are not unaware of the fact that an election is a process which begins with the registration of voters, through the primary election to the election proper, and extends to the tribunal, the Court of Appeal, and terminates at the Supreme Court,” Olabisi said.
The party did not specify the alleged irregularities it was reviewing or identify the polling units where they occurred.
APC Cites Legal Options
The party said an election should not be regarded as fully concluded until candidates and parties have used the legal avenues available to them.
“An election cannot be said to have been concluded without exploring all constitutionally allowed legal opportunities to correct anomalies observed in the process,” Olabisi said.
The APC said its lawyers would examine the results and advise the party on whether to begin litigation.
Under Nigeria’s electoral dispute process, a governorship election petition is first heard by an election petition tribunal. Decisions from the tribunal may be appealed to the Court of Appeal and, in some circumstances, the Supreme Court.
Party Appeals For Calm
The APC commended its members and supporters for remaining committed throughout the election.
“We commend the steadfastness, sagacity and loyalty of the numerous members and supporters of our party for their contributions in getting to this juncture in the political history of the state,” the statement said.
The party appealed to its supporters to remain calm and continue with their daily activities.
It also asked them not to respond to alleged provocation from members of the ruling party.
The party asked the Nigeria Police Force to protect its members and supporters.
It alleged that some APC supporters were being subjected to unnecessary harassment by members of the ruling party.
The allegation was not supported by details in the statement, and no response from the police or the party accused of the conduct was included.
The APC said the current political situation in Osun was temporary and expressed confidence that justice would prevail.
“The current situation in the political history of the state is a passing phase which will soon become part of history, as justice shall be done accordingly,” the party said.
Aregbesola Congratulates Adeleke
However, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, now secretary of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), congratulated Governor Adeleke on his re-election.
Aregbesola also commended members of the ADC, its candidate Najeem Folasayo Salaam and the people of Osun State.
He said the people’s decision should be respected after the election.
“Now that the people of Osun have spoken through the ballot, their decision must be respected,” Aregbesola said.
He called on Adeleke to use the renewed mandate to promote unity, development and fair governance.
Aregbesola also praised Salaam for conducting his campaign with dignity and accepting the result in a manner that placed peace and unity above personal ambition.
He asked ADC members and supporters to remain united and continue to hold the government accountable while presenting alternative policies.
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