Chief Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, the defeated candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Oyo South Senatorial District election, has solicited support for the state governor, Seyi Makinde, in the governorship election, on 11 March.
He made the call in a release he personally signed, to thank party members, his supporters and followers for their support before and during the election.
Tegbe was defeated by his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart in the senatorial contest, Chief Sarafadeen Abiodun Ali.
The Oyo South PDP senatorial candidate, however, said the results of the election is unacceptable to him and he was studying the results of the election with a view to challenging it in court.
He admonished his supporters to see the setback that the election may have caused as a minor hurdle and urged them to focus on 11 March governorship election.
He further urged them to work hard and ensure a second term victory for Governor Makinde in order to further the course of development in the state.
“At this moment, I wish to remind everyone that whatever setback from this election is just a minor hurdle we have to cross before the gubernatorial election scheduled for March 11, 2023.
“Rather than being discouraged, we should guard our loins and double our determination to support and deliver His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for a second term to keep Oyo State on the path of development,” Tegbe stated.
He called on his supporters from Oyo South Senatorial District to remain calm, noting that he was studying the results of the senatorial election.
“I urge everyone to remain calm, as we are studying the results from various units and wards, especially those places where the official reports differ from our field reports.
“As such, the result is unacceptable and I want to assure you that any electoral fraud discovered will be challenged within the full ambit of the law,” he added.
Tegbe further stated: “Good people of Oyo South, I wish to use this opportunity again to thank you for your support before and during the just-concluded election.
“My sincere appreciation to our loyalists, the volunteers and all supporters of the Tegbe Movement and the PDP at large for their good efforts towards the elections.
“As good citizens of our country and stakeholders in our senatorial district, you have performed your civic responsibilities by coming out to vote, and peacefully too.”