Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has made an emotional appeal to Osun voters, reminding them of their long-standing relationship with the state as he urged them to vote for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dr Najeem Salaam, in Saturday’s governorship election.
Atiku’s appeal carries a personal touch, as his first wife, Titi Abubakar, was born Titilayo Albert in Ilesa, Osun State. The couple married in 1971 in a union that began despite opposition from their families, with Atiku recently recalling that they tied the knot with only two friends present. More than five decades later, he continues to describe Titi as a major source of strength and companionship.
It was against this background that Atiku told the people of Osun at the ADC grand rally in Osogbo on Monday that he could not forget their support over the years, declaring: “I cannot forget that because your daughter is in my house.”
The former Vice President, who spoke at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park alongside ADC National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, appealed to voters to return the favour by backing the ADC on August 15.
Recalling his previous visits to the state, Atiku said Osun voters had repeatedly supported him at critical moments in his political career.
He recalled campaigning for the incumbent governor and asking the people to support him, saying they responded by voting for the governor.
He also reminded the crowd that Osun voters backed him during his presidential campaign, defeating President Bola Tinubu in the state.
Atiku said such support was something he could not forget, insisting that the ADC was now the party capable of providing a new direction for the people.
He declared that the ADC was different from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Accord and other political parties, claiming that some of the country’s best political minds were now in the party.
Atiku expressed confidence that the massive crowd at the rally was an indication that the ADC was heading for victory on Saturday.
MARK: PROTECT YOUR VOTES
ADC National Chairman David Mark also rallied supporters behind Salaam, urging them to come out in large numbers, vote and defend their ballots.
Mark warned against electoral manipulation, declaring that anybody who attempted to rig the election would not get away with it.
He expressed confidence that Salaam would emerge victorious and said ADC leaders would return to Osun in November to celebrate his swearing-in as governor.
AREGbesola: “WE ARE AWOLOWO’S TRUE HEIRS”
Aregbesola, meanwhile, turned the campaign into a battle over the legacy of the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
The former Osun governor declared that the ADC was the political platform closest to Awolowo’s progressive ideals, particularly his policies on free education, agriculture, poverty reduction, healthcare and social welfare.
He urged voters who wanted a return to Awolowo-style governance to vote for Salaam.
Aregbesola also dismissed reports that the ADC was planning to enter into an alliance with another political party before the election.
He told supporters to disregard such reports, insisting that the ADC was standing on its own and would contest the election independently.
The former governor recalled programmes introduced during his administration between 2010 and 2018, including O’YES, O’MEALS, O’REAP and O-AMBULANCE, saying the ADC candidate would revive and expand such initiatives if elected.
He said the party planned to restore school feeding in public primary schools, revive youth empowerment programmes, expand mechanised agriculture and improve rural infrastructure.
According to Aregbesola, the ADC government would also focus on rural electrification, technology and innovation hubs as part of efforts to create jobs and boost economic productivity.
He described Salaam as the candidate of continuity and urged Osun residents to entrust him with the state’s future.
Aregbesola said Salaam’s agenda included re-establishing O’YES to create jobs for 20,000 youths, reviving O’MEALS, expanding mechanised agriculture and investing in rural infrastructure and technology.
SALAAM PROMISES 20,000 JOBS IN 100 DAYS
Receiving the ADC flag, Salaam promised to make the welfare of Osun residents the centrepiece of his administration if elected.
The governorship candidate pledged to create jobs for 20,000 youths within his first 100 days in office.
He also promised stable electricity, free education from primary to secondary school and a review of tuition fees in the state’s higher institutions.
Salaam further promised free medical treatment for children aged one to 18, free treatment for pregnant women and welfare support for elderly people and widows.
The ADC candidate also vowed that his party would not allow itself to be rigged out of the election.
With the August 15 poll fast approaching, the ADC leaders urged Osun voters to turn out in force and vote for Salaam, insisting that the party had the experience and blueprint to restore what they described as the state’s lost glory.
Don’t Miss Out! Join our WhatsApp Channel for instant news updates. Click here to join
ALSO READ:
5,091 REASONS TINUBU MUST GO? Presidency Challenges Atiku’s Claims
WHO SENT MONEY TO ATIKU? Former VP Raises Alarm Over ‘Suspicious’ Credit
