EU, UK, US finally react to inconclusive Osun governorship election

The missions of the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States have reacted to the inconclusive Osun governorship election.

EU, UK and US noted they also observed the voting in Osun State on September 22.

Their joint statement was made available on Tuesday afternoon by the Information Officer of the US Embassy Public Affairs Section.

It reads: “We commend the people of Osun for voting peacefully, the Independent National Electoral Commission for the improved organisation of the election, and security services for their conduct.

“We urge that all continue to support a peaceful, free, fair, and credible completion of the process as INEC re-runs the election in seven polling units where — through no fault of their own — voters were not able to cast their votes and have them counted last Saturday.

“We stress the importance that the re-run should take place without any violence, intimidation, or vote buying.

“Whoever wins the election after Thursday’s vote should be magnanimous in victory, and whoever loses should be gracious in defeat.”

Reports have it that INEC has announced Thursday, September 27 as the date for the rescheduled exercise.

According to the commission, the rerun will be conducted in some of the units in which votes were cancelled for alleged irregularities.

The affected local governments were: Orolu, Osogbo, Ife South and Ife North.

INEC had on Sunday announced the final results of the governorship election, with candidate of PDP, Ademola Adeleke, leading with 254,698 votes while APC candidate, Gboyega Oyetola, polled 254,345.