Former Osun State Governor and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has dismissed reports that the party and its governorship candidate, Najeem Folasayo Salaam, have withdrawn from the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.

Aregbesola described the reports as false, unfounded and misleading, insisting that the ADC remains committed to the governorship contest.

Aregbesola Clarifies ADC’s Position

The former governor addressed the reports on Saturday at a solidarity rally in Ejigbo, Osun State, held to celebrate Salaam’s 61st birthday and reaffirm support for his candidacy.

According to Aregbesola, the ADC has neither withdrawn from the election nor entered into an alliance with another political party.

He said the party had built a formidable political structure based on progressive ideals, principles and traditions, arguing that there was therefore no reason for it to abandon its electoral ambition.

Aregbesola urged members of the public to disregard the reports suggesting that the party had pulled out of the race.

‘We Are Contesting This Election To Win’

Aregbesola said the ADC was too well positioned to negotiate away its political ambition or contemplate an alliance with another political party.

He said the party remained confident in its structure and its support among the people.

“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.

“We have absolute faith in God and confidence in the support of the people. We are contesting this election to win,” he said.

The statement represents Aregbesola’s direct rejection of the reported withdrawal and his reaffirmation that the ADC intends to participate in the Osun governorship election.

Aregbesola Backs Salaam

The former governor also spoke positively about Salaam, describing the ADC candidate as a man of integrity, humility, exemplary character and compassion for humanity.

He said those qualities had distinguished Salaam as a leader worthy of public trust and called on the people of Osun State to support him and the ADC.

Aregbesola further expressed confidence that a Salaam-led administration would restore the dignity of progressive ideals and renew public confidence in democracy, good governance and purposeful leadership.

For now, the position presented by Aregbesola is that the ADC has not withdrawn from the Osun governorship election and has no alliance with another political party, while Salaam remains the party’s candidate for the contest.