Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has appealed to voters in Osun State to support the party’s governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam, in the August 15 election.
Atiku made the appeal on Monday during the ADC’s grand rally at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo.
He said the ADC represented the best interests of Nigerians and described Salaam as a candidate capable of delivering good governance to the state.
Atiku recalled his previous political engagements with the people of Osun, noting that he had campaigned in the state for Governor Ademola Adeleke and during his own presidential campaign.
“I came here for the current governor, and I told you, people, to support him, and you voted for him. I came here on my presidential campaign; you voted for me, and you defeated Bola Ahmed Tinubu. For me, I can’t forget that,” he said.
“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.”
ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, urged supporters to mobilise voters and protect their votes during the election.
Former Osun State Governor and National Secretary of the ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, said the party was committed to improving the welfare of residents.
Aregbesola said government should focus on service, opportunities and restoring confidence in leadership, describing the ADC as the heir to the progressive tradition associated with Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He urged voters to support Salaam, whom he described as the face of continuity.
“This election is about the future of Osun. Quality education, youth opportunities, farmer prosperity, and a government that truly serves the people,” Aregbesola said.
He urged residents to vote for the ADC on August 15, saying the party possessed the experience and blueprint needed to restore prosperity and dignity to the state.
Speaking after receiving the party’s flag, Salaam promised to prioritise the welfare of residents if elected.
“On Saturday, nobody will be allowed to rig us out. What they did in Ekiti State will not happen here,” he said.
He also promised improvements in electricity supply and free education from primary to secondary school.
“We have a solution to that, and it is a promise. 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,” Salaam said.
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