The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State, Dr. Najeem Salaam, has pledged to provide responsible leadership, restore public confidence in government and deliver people-centered development if elected in the forthcoming governorship election.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that Salaam made the promise during a campaign tour of communities in Ola-Oluwa, Ayedire, Ilesa West and Ilesa East local government areas, where he met traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to present his vision for the state.
Addressing supporters at various campaign stops, the former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly said the state deserved a government that would place the welfare of citizens above politics and ensure that public resources were deployed for the benefit of all.
According to him, the ADC administration would focus on creating jobs, strengthening agriculture, improving infrastructure and providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“Osun can do much better than where we are today. What our people need is a government that listens, a government that is accountable and a government that is genuinely committed to improving their lives. That is the kind of leadership we are offering through the ADC.
“Our young people should not be forced to leave the state in search of opportunities. We must create an environment where they can succeed, innovate and contribute meaningfully to economic growth. That is the future we envision for Osun,” Salaam added.
He also appealed for peaceful conduct before, during and after the election, stressing that the state’s democratic progress must not be undermined by violence, intimidation or political intolerance.
“No political ambition is worth the blood of any citizen, and no electoral victory should come at the expense of human lives.”
The ADC candidate called on politicians, party supporters and stakeholders across all divides to conduct themselves peacefully and uphold the values of love, unity and mutual respect as the election draws near.
“Historically, Osun State has been at the forefront of social progress and political excellence, championing the cherished Omoluabi ethos and promoting a society founded on decency, morality, and mutual respect. However, recent developments reveal a disturbing deviation from these noble values.
“In a state long regarded as one of the most peaceful in the country, we are beginning to witness troubling incidents of political unrest and violence. Today, some individuals are being mobilised as instruments of intimidation, victimisation, destruction, and chaos.
“We have witnessed attacks and counter-attacks in which several people have been brutalised, maimed, bullied, victimised, and, in some cases, killed. Properties worth millions of naira have also been destroyed, all in the name of political rivalry and vendetta.
“This is not the kind of politics we should promote, nor is it the kind of society we aspire to build. Politics should never be viewed as a do-or-die affair. If our collective objective is to serve the people and advance the development of our state, there can be no justification for violence, hatred, or the destruction of lives and property in the pursuit of electoral success,” he added.
Salaam reaffirmed his commitment to issue-based campaigning and urged all political actors to prioritise the peace, stability and progress of the state above partisan interests.
The traditional rulers commended the peaceful nature of the engagement and offered prayers for the success of the democratic process, peace in the state and continued development across their communities.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
