Former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has arrived in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, alongside a high-powered delegation of political associates and senior party figures for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) grand finale campaign rally ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
Atiku’s arrival marks a major final push by the ADC as the campaign period draws to a close, with prominent party stalwarts converging on the state capital to mobilise grassroots support for the party’s governorship candidate, Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam, popularly known as Iwaloye, and his running mate.
Atiku Makes Final Appeal for ADC
Addressing party loyalists, trade union representatives, youth groups and other supporters who gathered in Osogbo, Atiku said his presence in the state was a demonstration of the national leadership’s commitment to securing victory for the ADC in Saturday’s election.
The former Vice President urged the people of Osun State to look beyond traditional political affiliations and give the ADC the opportunity to provide leadership in the state.
He assured voters that a government led by Dr Najeem Salaam would prioritise transparency, accountability and people-oriented governance, while working towards economic revitalisation and improved security and prosperity.
“We are here in Osogbo to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our candidate, Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam, and our great party, the ADC. We make this final appeal to the good people of Osun State to entrust the African Democratic Congress with the sacred responsibility of delivering purposeful leadership, economic revitalisation, and a secure, prosperous future for all.”
Salaam Outlines ADC Agenda
The ADC governorship candidate, Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam, a veteran politician and former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, expressed appreciation to Atiku Abubakar and other visiting party leaders for their solidarity and support.
Salaam reiterated his commitment to providing purposeful leadership if elected governor of Osun State.
He said an ADC administration would place particular emphasis on the welfare of workers and pensioners, economic development, agriculture and human capital development.
According to him, his administration would prioritise the prompt payment of salaries, gratuities and outstanding arrears owed to civil servants.
He also promised to rebuild rural infrastructure as part of efforts to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen agro-industrial activities and create employment opportunities across the state.
On human capital development, Salaam said the ADC government would make targeted investments in public education, healthcare delivery and youth empowerment programmes.
Osun Voters Head to Polls Saturday
With electioneering activities officially coming to an end, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have expressed readiness for Saturday’s governorship election across the 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State.
The presence of Atiku Abubakar and other national political heavyweights at the ADC’s final rally has further heightened expectations ahead of the poll, which is expected to be keenly contested.
Voters across the state are now set to decide who will pilot the affairs of Osun State for the next four years as the campaign season gives way to the ballot.
