The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] in Ogun State, Buruji Kashamu, has conceded defeat and congratulated the All Progressives Congress [APC] governorship candidate, Dapo Abiodun.

Kashamu said he lost the election due to the distraction of the court battles to claim his party ticket.

Kashamu 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 spoke while reacting to the declaration of Abiodun as the winner of the governorship polls in the state.

In a statement on Sunday issued by his aide, Austin Oniyorkor, Kashamu 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.”

Kashamu thanked friends, family members, party members and supporters for standing by him till the end.

While commending President Muhammadu Buhari, INEC and security agencies for providing a level playing field for the candidates, he congratulated Abiodun on his election as the governor-elect of the state.

He asked residents to support all winners of the elections in the state to move the state forward.