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 Saturday’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.
The 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.
Salam said he was unaware of allegations concerning the arrest or deployment of electoral mercenaries, insisting that his campaign had focused on presenting its programmes to voters 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,” he said.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to ensure a level playing field and prevent manipulation, intimidation, harassment and inducement of voters.
According to Salam, voters should be allowed to freely choose their preferred candidates based on their programmes and competence.
“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 financial inducement.
The ADC candidate further promised that, if elected, his administration would govern all residents of the state irrespective of whether they voted for him.
“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 of winning, saying he trusted God to give him victory in an election conducted without manipulation and on a level playing field.
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