The ADC candidate alleged that party agents were not recognised in 10 local government areas during Saturday’s governorship election
African Democratic Congress governorship candidate Najeem Salaam has raised concerns over the alleged non-recognition of ADC agents in 10 local government areas during Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
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Salaam, who arrived at his Ward 4 polling unit to cast his vote at about 10:39 a.m., said the party had received reports that some of its accredited agents were being denied recognition despite their names having been uploaded ahead of the election.
The candidate said the matter had been reported to the relevant authorities, who were examining the allegations.
The reported development introduced a fresh concern into an election already attracting close attention over the conduct of polling, security and the treatment of party agents across the state.
Salaam also rejected allegations that the ADC was involved in vote buying, saying the party had relied on its campaign message rather than financial inducements.
“We converse with the people, we let them know our programmes, and that is exactly what we do. Vote buying is out of it. I have never in my life bought votes,” Salaam said.
He maintained that voters should be allowed to make their choices freely without pressure or inducement.
“People will decide whom they want, and I think it should be very fair enough for them to have the right to choose whom they prefer as a candidate or as the governor of the state,” he added.
The ADC candidate said the party’s approach throughout the campaign had centred on communicating its programmes to voters and allowing the electorate to determine the outcome.
His comments came as voting continued across Osun State, with candidates and their supporters monitoring the process at polling units.
Salaam nevertheless expressed confidence in his chances of winning the election, attributing his optimism to his faith in God and the support he believed the ADC had received from voters.
The allegations concerning party agents are expected to attract further attention as the electoral process progresses, particularly during the collation of results from polling units and local government areas.
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For now, Salaam’s concerns remain allegations, with the relevant authorities expected to provide clarification on the reported recognition of ADC agents and the circumstances surrounding any affected polling locations.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
