Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the ongoing Osun governorship election, has urged his supporters to be vigilant and protect their votes.

“As the collation of results begins, I urge all our supporters and the good people of Osun to remain calm, vigilant and resolute. Let us protect the sanctity of the votes cast by our people,” Mr Oyebamiji said in a statement on Saturday.

The warning came as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) began uploading results from 3763 polling units to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

The politician, who thanked Osun people for their votes, also commended INEC for conducting the election professionally. 

He said, “We have come a very long way, and today, I am deeply encouraged that our collective efforts are yielding results. I sincerely thank the good people of Osun State for coming out in large numbers to exercise their civic responsibility and make their voices heard through the ballot. 

“I also commend the security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their commitment to their duties and for conducting themselves with professionalism and integrity.”

Mr Oyebamiji further urged voters not to allow anyone to subvert their will or undermine their mandate.

“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,” he added.

The APC candidate urged citizens to remain peaceful and confident as they await the poll outcome.

Peoples Gazette earlier reported that INEC had uploaded results of 849 polling units, representing a 22.56 per cent completion rate in the ongoing election.

The uploaded results cover several local government areas as INEC continues uploading results from others.