An Accord Party chieftain, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has credited President Bola Tinubu’s pre-election directives to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for helping the Osun governorship election proceed without presidential interference.
Olajengbesi stated this on Saturday while speaking with journalists at the INEC collation centre in Osogbo.
He also disclosed that Tinubu congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke before INEC formally declared him winner of the election.
“Even before the result was declared yesterday night, Mr President called Mr Governor and congratulated him, and that is good leadership,” Olajengbesi said.
He commended the President for allowing the electoral process to run its course and respecting the outcome of the election.
According to him, Tinubu had directed INEC and security agencies before the election to ensure a free, fair and credible exercise.
However, Olajengbesi faulted the conduct of the election in some areas, alleging oppression and the arrest of opposition supporters.
“We want to believe that this election is very credible, but we do not agree that this election is free and fair because it was oppressive,” he said.
He alleged that more than 11 people were arrested during the election.
Despite the allegations, Olajengbesi praised Tinubu for respecting the outcome of the poll and keeping his word by allowing the electoral process to be respected.
INEC declared Adeleke the winner after he polled 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes.
