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| Kashamu and Dapo Abiodun |
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Buruji Kashamu, was on Monday among first callers at Iperu, the country home of the state governor-elect, Dapo Abiodun.
Kashamu later issued a statement in which he claimed he lost the election due to the distraction caused by the court cases to claim his party’s ticket.
In the statement by his aide, Austin Oniyokor, he said Abiodun won the election because he had the backing of the Federal Government and a national leader of the party, Bola Tinubu, whom he described as a “political generalissimo.”
The senator said as a good Muslim, he had accepted the results as the will of God.
He said, “Yes, it was a struggle against arbitrariness, injustice and the overbearing attitude of some of our political actors. We put in our best. But, from the outcome of the election, our best was not good enough.
“It was clear to all that while our opponents were on the field, we spent most of the time going in and out of court because some persons thought they could use their wealth to ride roughshod over us. We thank God that they did not succeed. We fought like men and contested the election against all odds.
“While my friend and brother, Prince Dapo Abiodun, had the backing of the Federal Government and the political generalissimo, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Governor Ibikunle Amosun threw his weight and state machinery behind Adekunle Akinlade of the Allied Peoples Movement.
“Like I said during the campaign, I was the candidate of the Almighty God and the masses. I have been a one-man battalion without any federal or state machinery. I did my best to stand for our dear Ogun State all by myself with the support of a few friends here and there.
“I thank the Almighty God for how everything has turned out. As a good Muslim, I believe the outcome of the election is the will of Almighty Allah and the good people of Ogun State.”
While commending President Muhammadu Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies for providing a level-playing field for the candidates, Kashamu congratulated Abiodun on his election.
He asked residents to support all winners of the governorship and House of Assembly elections in the state.
Also, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Gboyega Isiaka, has congratulated Abiodun.
Isiaka, in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists in Abeokuta on Monday, said he had made a telephone call to congratulate Abiodun and his wife on the “momentous occasion.”
He said, “It is no longer news that INEC has declared a winner and the result must be respected.
“I have put a call through to congratulate him and his wife on the momentous occasion.
“It is an election and not a do-or-die affair; for which a victor must emerge. I sincerely wish him well in the huge task of governance.
“For me, the aftermath of this election represents a defining moment and we can begin to take relevant stock.
“The desire to serve Ogun State has never been about self pursuit but the strong will to change a wrong system and make life more meaningful to our people.”
