The Representative of Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke, has rejected allegations that he attempted to influence the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the Osun State governorship election.
Faleke, who backed the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, responded on X after Nigerian singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, accused him of pressuring the electoral commission during the collation of results in Osogbo.
Davido, who supported his uncle and Accord Party candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke, had called out Faleke during the collation exercise on Saturday.
“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 subsequently rejected the allegation, saying his presence in Osun was connected to his support for the APC candidate. He also pointed to the political alignment between Davido and Adeleke during the election.
“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.
The APC lawmaker insisted that he had never manipulated an election and had no intention of doing so.
“I have never influenced or rigged before and I don’t plan to start now. Face your music while we face our politics,” he added.
The exchange came before INEC announced Adeleke as the winner of the governorship election. Following the declaration, Faleke adopted a conciliatory tone and congratulated the incumbent governor on his re-election. He also praised Oyebamiji, describing his performance during the election as a “very good outing” and commending him for his commitment and sportsmanship.
“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,” Faleke wrote.
He wished Adeleke success in office and urged him to focus on the peace, progress and development of Osun State.
Faleke also described the election as an indication that democracy remained vibrant in Nigeria. He commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what he described as its commitment to democratic values.
The lawmaker equally praised INEC for conducting the election and security agencies for maintaining what he described as a peaceful and orderly environment throughout the process. The comments followed a closely watched election in which Adeleke secured a second term in office.
According to the final results declared by INEC, Adeleke polled 511,067 votes, defeating Oyebamiji, who recorded 444,815 votes. The result brought the political contest to an end after weeks of intense campaigning and heightened attention surrounding the Osun governorship race.
