The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, Najeem Salaam, has expressed confidence in defeating the two leading contenders, saying he would emerge as the “Adelaja” between the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Salaam made the statement on Tuesday while participating in the Arise News Osun Governorship Town Hall, where he presented the ADC as a peaceful alternative to the two major parties.
The former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly said his campaign had maintained a peaceful approach throughout the electioneering period, arguing that this distinguished the ADC from its opponents.
According to him, the people of Osun are looking for a candidate capable of reducing political tension and providing effective leadership after the election.
“I’ve been the only party that has been conducting itself peacefully. In the states, people look into that. If you give it to A or B, crisis will continue in the state. I will be the Adelaja between them,” he said.
Salaam said his campaign had focused on presenting the ADC’s programmes and policies to voters rather than engaging in personal attacks against political opponents.
He maintained that elections should not be treated as a battle, but as an opportunity for candidates to present their plans and convince voters to support them.
“Election is not a war front. It can never be a war. Election is just for you to convert, tell the people what your programmes are,” he said.
Despite the political structures and perceived strength of the Accord and APC candidates, Salaam said he remained confident of emerging victorious at the polls.
The ADC candidate attributed his optimism to his faith in God and the peaceful conduct of his campaign.
“I want to assure you that anybody who has God has everything,” he said.
On which of the two major contenders could finish behind him, Salaam said he was not interested in determining who would take second place, insisting that his focus remained on winning the election.
“If I’m to choose, I’ll give them the second position after me. The two of them can be judging by themselves, by their activities. I don’t want to allot the second position to any of them. But I’m the leading candidate,” he said.
Salaam urged voters to look beyond the rivalry among the major political parties and assess the candidates based on their ability to deliver peace, stability and good governance.
He said the ADC was offering voters an alternative approach to governance, stressing that the August 15 election should focus on the future of Osun State rather than political rivalry and personal attacks.