APC Disagrees With INEC’s Osun Result, Believes Adeleke Did Not Score The Highest Valid Votes

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Senator Ademola Adeleke as the winner of the Osun State governorship election, insisting that he did not secure the highest number of valid votes.

The Director-General of the APC Governorship Campaign Council in Osun State, Oluwole Oke, disclosed this while explaining the party’s next steps following the election.

Oke said the APC had commenced an audit of the electoral process and directed its agents across the state to submit copies of Forms EC8A, EC8B and EC8C for a detailed review of the results and other electoral records.

“We do not agree with the declaration of INEC. That’s our position for now. We believe he did not score the highest valid votes.”

According to him, the party would not rush to make further conclusions until it had obtained and thoroughly examined the relevant electoral documents.

Oke said the APC would also review the election against the provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws before determining its next course of action.

He noted that the party was examining several issues surrounding the election, including pre-election matters and the conduct of the poll itself.

On allegations of internal divisions within the APC, Oke dismissed the claim that such disagreements were peculiar to the party. He argued that disputes are common in political parties and are often resolved before elections.

He cited divisions within the Accord Party as an example, noting that its chairman had publicly endorsed the APC candidate while the party was also involved in a legal dispute over its rightful candidate.

Addressing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) freezing of the Osun State Government’s accounts shortly before the election, Oke said the agency was carrying out its lawful responsibilities.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for directing that the accounts be unfrozen, while stressing that the issue was separate from the APC’s election dispute.

Oke also dismissed suggestions that the APC’s position as the ruling party at the federal level gave it an advantage in the Osun election, insisting that “politics is local.” He described the presence of APC governors and other party leaders in Osun as an act of solidarity with the party’s candidate.

On voter participation, Oke said the election demonstrated increasing political awareness among Nigerians and their understanding of their civic responsibilities.

He said voters were increasingly demanding better welfare, security, education and healthcare from government.

Oke also questioned the performance of the Osun State Government under Adeleke, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare and agricultural support.

He said the APC would complete its review of the election before presenting its findings and position to the public.

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