African Democratic Congress governorship candidate Najeem Salaam has expressed confidence that he will win the Osun State governorship election. He stated this will happen provided the process remains free from manipulation.
According to Vanguard, Salaam spoke shortly after casting his ballot at Unit 003, Iroyin Ayo Open Space, Ward 004, Ejigbo. He had arrived there alongside his wife.
The former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly said he believed voters were seeking a change in leadership. He added that these voters would support his candidacy at the polls.
“Without manipulation, I will win this election. The people of Osun are behind me and they are ready for change. What we have been hearing from across the state shows that there is a strong desire for a new direction,” Salaam said.
Salaam alleges manipulation in Osun election
Despite expressing confidence in his chances, the ADC candidate raised concerns over reports of alleged irregularities in parts of the state.
“From the information I am getting across the state, there is widespread manipulation. We are monitoring the situation and we are hopeful that the will of the people will ultimately prevail,” he said.
Salaam also rejected allegations that the ADC was involved in vote buying. He insisted that voters should be allowed to choose their preferred candidate without inducement.
“Our party is not involved in vote buying. We believe that the people should be allowed to freely choose the candidate they want. We are here to participate in a democratic process and we expect the votes of the people to count,” he said.
The ADC candidate further alleged that some agents representing his party had been prevented from participating in the electoral process. This happened at certain polling units.
He said such incidents could affect confidence in the transparency of the election. Additionally, he called for a process in which every party was allowed to participate without obstruction.
Salaam urged his supporters and other voters to remain peaceful and vigilant as voting and counting continued across the state.
