The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Najeem Salam, has denied allegations that his party or campaign organisation hired mercenaries to influence the outcome of the State’s governorship election.
Salam, a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, spoke after casting his vote at his polling unit in Ejigbo on Saturday.
The ADC candidate described the electoral process as questionable in some areas but expressed confidence that the election would be conducted fairly and that he would emerge victorious.
He said he was not aware of any allegation involving the arrest or deployment of mercenaries, insisting that his campaign was focused on presenting its programmes to the people rather than manipulating the electoral process.
“We are not into that. We are asking the people to let them know our programmes, and that is exactly what we do,” Salam said.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to ensure a level playing field and prevent manipulation, intimidation, harassment or inducement of voters.
According to him, voters should be allowed to freely choose their preferred candidate based on the programmes and competence of those seeking public office.
“Democracy is supposed to give room for people to choose their representatives freely, without intimidation, harassment or inducement,” he said.
Salam also expressed concern over alleged financial inducement of voters, describing the practice as disturbing and a threat to democracy.
He said his candidacy should be judged on his programmes, experience and plans to develop Osun State, rather than on financial inducement.
The ADC candidate further assured that, if elected, his administration would govern all residents of the state irrespective of whether they voted for him or not.
“There won’t be any difference between those who vote and those who do not vote. I will rule generally over everybody that lives in the state,” he said.
Salam expressed confidence in his chances at the polls, saying he trusted God to give him victory in an election conducted without manipulation and with a level playing field.
