Former Osun State Governor and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has dismissed reports suggesting that the party has withdrawn from the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
Aregbesola also rejected claims that the ADC’s governorship candidate, Najeem Folasayo Salaam, had stepped down from the race.
He spoke on Saturday during a solidarity rally held in Ejigbo, Osun State, to mark Salaam’s 61st birthday and reaffirm the party’s support for his candidacy.
The former governor described the reports of the ADC’s withdrawal as false and misleading, urging members of the public to disregard them.
According to Aregbesola, the ADC remains fully committed to participating in the governorship election and has no plan to withdraw from the contest or form an alliance with another political party.
He said the party had established a strong political structure based on progressive values and principles, adding that there was no reason for the ADC to abandon its electoral ambition.
Aregbesola maintained that the party was confident in its chances at the polls and remained focused on securing victory.
He said, “The ADC is too strong and too well-positioned to negotiate away its political ambition or contemplate an alliance with any other political party. We have built a formidable structure anchored on progressive principles, ideals and traditions.”
He added that the party remained confident in the support of voters across the state and was entering the election with the intention of winning.
Aregbesola also commended Salaam, describing the ADC candidate as a person of integrity, humility and strong commitment to the welfare of others.
He urged residents of Osun State to support Salaam and the ADC, expressing confidence that an administration led by the candidate would promote good governance and strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions.
The former governor further said the party’s campaign would remain focused on its progressive ideals and its vision for the future of Osun State.