ADC Rally: Atiku, Mark and Aregbesola Rally Support for Salam in Osun
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) held a grand rally in Osun State, with key leaders including Atiku Abubakar, Senator David Mark, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola appealing for votes. Gubernatorial candidate Dr. Najeem Salam presented a comprehensive agenda promising job creation, free education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, while emphasizing the party's commitment to continuity and anti-rigging efforts for the upcoming August 15 election.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) held a major campaign rally at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election, drawing prominent party leaders including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, National Chairman David Mark, National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola and governorship candidate Najeem Salam.
Atiku urged Osun voters to support the ADC, recalling their backing during his previous presidential campaigns and his past support for Governor Ademola Adeleke. He described the ADC as a credible alternative to the APC and Accord while expressing confidence that the large turnout signalled growing support for the party.
Mark called on voters to turn out in large numbers and protect their ballots against attempts at electoral manipulation, while Aregbesola framed the ADC as the political heir to Obafemi Awolowo's progressive legacy. Drawing on programmes implemented during his tenure as governor between 2010 and 2018, including O-AMBULANCE, O'YES, O'MEALS and O'REAP, Aregbesola promised that an ADC administration would revive and expand social intervention programmes while prioritising rural roads, electrification, mechanised agriculture and innovation hubs.
He argued that effective government programmes should survive political transitions and presented Salam as a candidate capable of continuing policies focused on education, healthcare, employment and agricultural development.
Salam, who received the party's flag at the rally, pledged to make the welfare of Osun residents the central focus of his administration if elected. His campaign promises include creating 20,000 jobs for young people within his first 100 days, providing free primary and secondary education, reviewing tertiary institution fees, offering free medical treatment for children aged one to 18 and pregnant women, and establishing welfare measures for elderly people and widows.
He also promised to address electricity challenges and vowed that the ADC would resist electoral manipulation, positioning the party's platform around social welfare, employment and improved public services ahead of the August 15 poll.