- Ignore Fake News, I Have No Reason To Return To APC – Aregbesola
- Osun Voters Are Behind Us – Salaam
Amidst its usual pomp and ceremony, stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), on Sunday, reiterated their commitment to the success of the party in the forthcoming August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The stakeholders, who spoke separately at the well-attended meeting in Ilesa, commended the leadership of the party for its steadfastness and pursuit of good governance despite efforts by agents of the ruling party at the centre to cripple opposition politics in the country.
Addressing party faithful, ADC National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, thanked party members for their continued solidarity.
Aregbesola, who debunked insinuations that he is planning a return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), said he has no reason to return to his former party.
He noted that it is clear that the ruling party at the federal level has worsened the living conditions of Nigerians, subjecting many citizens to serious hardship and economic quagmire.
The former Governor of Osun urged citizens and residents of the state to continuously support the party, as it is the only platform that offers the credible alternative.
A statement by Abosede Oluwaseun, Osun ADC Publicity Secretary-Elect, quoted Aregbesola as saying, “I want to appreciate you all. Despite the attacks, oppression and intimidation of those who think they can continue to intimidate us, you have remain resolute, firm, and solidly behind our cause. We cannot express how grateful we are to you.
“Let me tell you, I am not planning a return to the APC. Such information is just a figment of their imagination. I have no reason to join the party again. The truth is that the current handlers have derailed from the vision and mission statement that we built the party on.
“Those in-charge of our affairs at the national level have failed to uphold the basic principles of government – Welfare and Security of the people. So, we do not have any reason to rejoin them. We are ADC and despite their attacks, we continue to grow in leaps and bounds. Do not relax and waver, victory is ours by God’s Grace.
“Our candidate, Najeem Folasayo Salaam Iwaloye is a man of the people. He is loyal, committed and deeply desires to return our state to the pedestal of development that we left it in 2018. We urge everyone to support us. We will not let you down,” the former Minister of Interior noted.
Also in his remarks, governorship candidate of the ADC, Dr. Najeem Salaam, urged party members to remain vigilant.
Salaam, who stressed the need for unity, reemphasised that his administration if elected will create jobs, tackle poverty, address inequality, provide affordable housing to the people and address all governance failures the people of the state have experienced in the last seven and a half years.
Earlier in his remarks, Osun ADC Chairman-Elect, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji party remains fully constituted and united at both the state and federal levels despite political challenges confronting it ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Adesiji while congratulating newly elected ward, local government and state executives of the party, described their new positions as a privilege and a call to service.
Speaking on the forthcoming governorship election, the ADC leader expressed confidence that the party’s candidate, Salaam, would emerge victorious at the poll through hard work, unity and divine support.
“You are all aware we have Governorship election in about three months from now. It’s a must-win for us. Let’s all work hard by mobilising to win. We have God behind us. We have the pedigree. We have done it before. God will make it happen again. Dr Najeem Salaam will be elected on August 15 by the grace of God,” he stated.
The ADC stalwart further disclosed that the party would commence its statewide campaign within one week, revealing that the exercise would cover all local government areas, include rallies across the nine federal constituencies and culminate in two mega rallies scheduled for Ile-Ife and Osogbo.
“I seize this opportunity to thank our Leader, Ogbeni, for his political sagacity, with which he has carried us this far. I pray God’s protection and guidance for him to take us farther, especially in our bid to win the August 15 election,” he said.
The party chieftain also thanked members of the party’s apex leadership and other loyal members of the ADC for their patience, support and cooperation.
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.
