The lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency of Lagos State, James Faleke, has denied allegations that he attempted to influence the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the Osun State governorship election.
Faleke, who supported the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, made the clarification on Sunday in response to comments by Afrobeats star Davido.
Davido Accused Faleke of Pressuring INEC
During the collation of results in Osogbo on Saturday, Davido accused Faleke of putting pressure on INEC to alter the outcome of the election.
“Hon. James Faleke, stop putting pressure on INEC to change Osun election result. Respect the wishes of Osun people. We don’t want Oyetola and AMBO,” Davido wrote.
Faleke rejected the allegation, saying he travelled to Osun solely to support his party’s candidate.
He also pointed out that Davido had similarly supported his uncle, Ademola Adeleke, who contested the election under the Accord Party.
“I came to Osun to support my party’s candidate, while you supported your uncle’s party (Accord). INEC is a body that can’t be influenced by me or anyone else,” Faleke said.
He added:
“I have never influenced or rigged before and I don’t plan to start now. Face your music while we face our politics.”
Faleke Congratulates Adeleke After Defeat
Following INEC’s declaration of Adeleke as the winner, Faleke shifted his focus from the earlier dispute and congratulated the governor on his re-election.
He also commended Oyebamiji for what he described as a “very good outing”, praising the APC candidate for his commitment and sportsmanship during the election.
“I would also like to congratulate the Governor and candidate of the Accord Party, Governor Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke, on his re-election as Governor of Osun State. I wish him a successful tenure and urge him to continue to work for the peace, progress, and development of the state,” Faleke wrote.
‘Democracy Remains Vibrant’
Faleke described the election as evidence that democracy remains vibrant in Nigeria.
He also commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for what he described as its commitment to democratic values, while praising INEC for the conduct of the election.
The lawmaker further commended security agencies for maintaining what he described as a peaceful and orderly electoral process.
Adeleke Secures Second Term
INEC declared Ademola Adeleke the winner after he secured 511,067 votes, defeating APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.
The result secured Adeleke another four-year term as governor of Osun State, bringing the closely contested election to a conclusion…..see more