Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have urged voters in Osun State to support the party’s governorship candidate, Dr Najeem Salam, ahead of Saturday’s election, describing the ADC as a credible platform capable of delivering effective governance and restoring public confidence in leadership.
The appeal was made at the party’s mega rally held at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo, the state capital, which attracted a large turnout of supporters.
Prominent speakers at the event included the ADC presidential candidate and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President and National Chairman of the party, David Mark; and former Osun State Governor and ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola.
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Abubakar recalled his longstanding political engagement with the people of Osun State, noting that he had previously campaigned in the state and enjoyed their support.
“This is the fourth time I am standing on this podium. Each time I stood here, you have given me your vote. I came here for the current governor, and I urged you to support him, and you voted for him. I came here during my presidential campaign; you voted for me and defeated Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I will never forget that.
“I have come today to appeal to you again to vote for ADC. This is because ADC is different from APC, Accord, and other political parties. The best of Nigerians today are in ADC,” he said.
Abubakar expressed confidence that the large turnout at the rally reflected the party’s strong prospects in Saturday’s election.
Chairman Seeks Support
The ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, described the rally as a celebration of the party’s anticipated victory.
He urged voters to come out in large numbers, vote for the ADC, and protect their votes while warning against any attempt to manipulate the electoral process.
Mark also called on supporters to remain vigilant on election day.
Aregbesola Canvasses Votes
Former Osun State Governor and National Secretary of the ADC, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, said the party remained committed to improving the welfare of residents and restoring confidence in governance.
Aregbesola stated that the government should be about service, opportunity, and accountability, describing the ADC as the true heir to the progressive tradition of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He highlighted free education, quality healthcare, and social welfare as key pillars of the party’s agenda, recalling programmes introduced during his administration between 2010 and 2018.
Aregbesola said Salam would revive and expand initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents if elected governor.
ADC Candidate Speaks
The ADC governorship candidate, Dr Najeem Salam, said his administration would prioritise the welfare of Osun residents if elected.
Salam pledged to improve all sectors of the economy and create jobs for 20,000 youths within his first 100 days in office.
“If I win the election on Saturday, I want to assure you that our electricity supply will be stable. We have a solution to that, and it is a promise,” he said.
He also promised free education from primary to secondary school levels and said his administration would review tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions with a view to reducing the financial burden on students and their families.
“Education from the primary to the secondary school for our children will be free, and we will also ensure that we have a committee that will review the tuition fees in our higher institutions with a plan to bring it down,” he said.
Salam further pledged free medical treatment for children between the ages of one and 18, free healthcare for pregnant women, and welfare support for elderly citizens and widows.
