OSUN POLL: ADC candidate, Salaam escapes assassination as thugs disrupt voting

— Flags manipulation
— Says he’s confident of victory
— Osun people are ready for change

By Dayo Johnson, Osogbo

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Najeem Salaam, has reportedly escaped an alleged assassination attempt in Ejigbo, Osun State.

According to the party’s Publicity Secretary, Abosede Busayo Oluwaseun, the incident occurred at Ward 4, Unit 13, in Ejigbo Local Government Area shortly after Salaam cast his vote.

Oluwaseun said the candidate was swiftly taken away by concerned residents who intervened to prevent the situation from escalating.

He said, “Had it not been for the timely intervention and intelligence of residents at the scene, what happened today could have resulted in yet another tragic loss of life.”

According to him, the incident disrupted voting and was accompanied by alleged electoral irregularities, raising concerns about the integrity of the process in the affected area.

“This is unacceptable. Democracy must never become a battlefield, and no Nigerian should have to risk their life simply for exercising their constitutional right to vote.

“We call on the security agencies and relevant authorities to immediately investigate this incident, identify those responsible, and ensure the safety of all voters, party agents and candidates.”

Oluwaseun added that Salaam was alive and remained resolute in his bid to “rescue Osun from the shackles of bad governance.”

Speaking in an interview, Salaam expressed confidence in winning the election if the process was conducted freely and fairly.

He said the people of Osun were behind his candidacy and eager for change.

“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,” he said.

However, the ADC candidate raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the electoral process.

He said reports reaching him from different parts of the state indicated that the exercise was not being conducted as expected.

Salaam also denied allegations that his party was involved in vote-buying.

“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.

He urged his supporters and other voters to remain peaceful and vigilant, adding that the alleged exclusion of ADC agents in some areas could undermine the transparency of the exercise, particularly during voting and counting.

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