ADC learnt from past mistakes in candidate selection, says Aregbesola
As party kicks off campaign rally
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has said the party learnt from its past mistakes in candidate selection, expressing confidence that its governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam, has the competence to lead the state.
Speaking at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Aregbesola recalled that he visited the palace eight years ago to present the candidate who eventually succeeded him as governor, saying, “We thank you that you supported us, but God didn’t allow the person that we presented to do it well”.
Addressing supporters at the rally, he said the experience informed the party’s decision to adopt a more rigorous process in selecting its governorship candidate.
“We opened our eyes and ears, consulted our elders and sought God’s direction before choosing our candidate. This time, we are not making a mistake because we are convinced that Najeem Salaam is competent and has the capacity to govern Osun,” he said.
Aregbesola accused the current administration of subjecting residents to hardship, poverty and insecurity, arguing that any government under which the masses suffer has failed in its responsibility.
He said the hardship being experienced in the state would soon become history if the ADC was voted into office, urging party supporters to remain steadfast, adding that the state was on the verge of a new political era.
The ADC national scribe also defended the record of his administration between 2010 and 2018, stating that the state enjoyed improved security, cleaner environments, flourishing markets and better welfare for students during his tenure, unlike the current situation.
Speaking at the rally, the ADC governorship candidate, a former speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, urged voters not to sell their votes, saying temporary financial inducements could not solve their long-term economic challenges.
