Atiku, Aregbesola Lead ADC Grand Rally in Osogbo, Vow to Restore Awolowo’s Legacy

Top chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, National Chairman David Mark, and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, rallied support for the party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Najeem Salaam, ahead of the Saturday, August 15 election in Osun State.

Speaking at the party’s grand campaign finale at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo, Atiku highlighted his long-standing relationship with the state’s electorate and urged voters to back the ADC, describing the party as assembling “the best of Nigerians.”

Former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola emphasized that the ADC represents the true political platform upholding the ideals of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Aregbesola promised that an ADC administration would revive key social intervention programs previously introduced under his tenure, including the O’YES youth empowerment scheme, O’MEALS school feeding program, and specialized healthcare services like O-AMBULANCE. He also dismissed rumors of any last-minute political alliances, affirming that the ADC is contesting independently.

ADC National Chairman David Mark charged party supporters to turn out en masse and guard their votes on election day, warning against any attempts at electoral malpractice.

Accepting the party’s flag, candidate Najeem Salaam pledged that his administration would prioritize free education from primary to secondary levels, review higher education tuition fees downward, and provide free medical care for children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Salaam also promised to create 20,000 youth jobs within his first 100 days in office.

The August 15 governorship poll will see Salaam compete against major contenders, including incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party and Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress.