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Atiku invokes Osun’s past support, reminding voters they backed him against President Bola Tinubu in the last presidential election and urging them to transfer that loyalty to the ADC in Saturday’s governorship poll.
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ADC raises the stakes ahead of the election as National Chairman David Mark warns against vote manipulation, insisting party supporters must protect every ballot and declaring that anyone attempting to rig the poll “will not get away with it.”
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Aregbesola unveils an ambitious governance blueprint, promising the return of flagship programmes including O’MEALS, O’YES, O-AMBULANCE and O’REAP, alongside investments in rural roads, agriculture, healthcare and youth empowerment.
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Governorship candidate Najeem Salam rolls out sweeping welfare promises, pledging stable electricity, free healthcare for children and pregnant women, reduced tuition in tertiary institutions, and 20,000 youth jobs within his first 100 days if elected.
August 11, (THEWILL) — Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Monday, mounted an emotional appeal to the people of Osun State, reminding them that they voted for him over President Bola Tinubu in the last presidential election and urging them to repeat that support by electing the ADC governorship candidate, Dr Najeem Salam, in Saturday’s governorship election.
Addressing thousands of party supporters at the ADC grand rally held at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, Atiku said his long-standing political relationship with the people of Osun had been built on mutual trust and electoral support, insisting he had not forgotten the confidence the state reposed in him over the years.
“My fellow Osun citizens, this is the fourth time I am standing on this podium, and each time I stood here, you gave me your votes. I cannot forget that. The reason I cannot forget that, you know, is because your daughter is in my house”, Atiku said, referring to his wife, Titi Abubakar, who hails from Osun State.
The former Vice President recalled that he had previously campaigned in the state for Governor Ademola Adeleke before returning to seek votes for his own presidential ambition.
“I came here for the current governor, and I pleaded with you to support him, and you voted for him. I came here for my presidential campaign, and you voted for me, and I defeated Bola Ahmed Tinubu in this state. I have come today to appeal to you again to vote ADC”, he declared to loud cheers.
Atiku argued that the ADC had become the preferred platform for Nigerians seeking credible leadership, describing the party as fundamentally different from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties.
“ADC is different from APC, Accord and other political parties. The best of Nigerians today are in ADC”, he said, expressing confidence that the massive turnout at the rally was an indication that the party was on course for victory in Saturday’s poll.
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Mark Warns Against Rigging
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, urged Osun residents to troop out in large numbers to vote and remain vigilant throughout the electoral process.
According to him, the party was already confident of victory but warned that supporters must ensure that every vote counted.
“What we are here to do is celebrate the victory that will come to ADC on Saturday. Our presidential candidate is here with us, and that shows his commitment to this party. By the time we swear in Najeem Salam in November, we will return here to march with you to Government House”, Mark said.
He cautioned against electoral malpractice, insisting that anyone attempting to manipulate the outcome of the election would face consequences.
“Protect your votes. Don’t allow anybody to rig you out. They will not rig and get away with it”, he warned.
Aregbesola Promises Return Of Social Programmes
Former Governor of Osun State and ADC National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, said the party remained committed to rebuilding the state’s social welfare architecture through people-oriented programmes.
He described governance as a vehicle for service, opportunity and public trust, arguing that the ADC remains the true custodian of the progressive ideals championed by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Aregbesola promised that an ADC administration under Dr Najeem Salam would revive several initiatives introduced during his administration between 2010 and 2018, including the O’MEALS school feeding programme, O’YES youth employment scheme, O’REAP agricultural initiative and O-AMBULANCE emergency healthcare programme.
“We invested in healthcare, social welfare and emergency response systems like O-AMBULANCE. We introduced O’YES for youth empowerment, O’MEALS for school feeding and O’REAP for agriculture. These and many more laudable programmes will be back under Iwaloye”, he said.
He maintained that successive governments should build on beneficial policies rather than abandon them because of political differences.
The former governor further pledged that an ADC government would prioritise rural electrification, mechanised agriculture, innovation hubs and improved rural road infrastructure to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities.
According to him, Salam represents continuity of progressive governance and possesses the experience and vision needed to restore prosperity to Osun.
Salam Unveils Welfare Agenda
Receiving the party’s flag, ADC governorship candidate, Dr Najeem Salam, assured voters that his administration would focus on improving living standards and restoring confidence in government.
He vowed to resist any attempt to manipulate Saturday’s election, declaring that the alleged electoral irregularities witnessed elsewhere would not be repeated in Osun.
“On Saturday, nobody will be allowed to rig us out. What they did in Ekiti State will not happen here”, Salam declared.
He promised to provide stable electricity through alternative power solutions, restore free education at the basic level, review tuition fees in tertiary institutions and establish free healthcare for children between the ages of one and 18.
Salam also pledged free medical services for pregnant women, enhanced welfare for the elderly and widows, alongside a commitment to employ 20,000 youths within his first 100 days in office if elected.
Saturday’s governorship election in Osun has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most closely watched off-cycle polls, attracting the active participation of leading national political figures. The contest is widely viewed as an early test of political strength ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly following the emergence of the ADC as a major opposition platform after the realignment of several prominent politicians.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
