The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Najeem Folasayo Salaam, has said the choice of a female running mate was driven by strategic considerations.
Salaam explained that the selection of Yemisi Agiri was aimed at broadening representation and promoting inclusiveness within the party’s campaign structure.
He added that, if elected in the August 15 governorship election, an ADC-led administration would prioritise inclusive governance across the state.
The governorship candidate stated that the decision reflects the party’s commitment to building a government that accommodates the interests of all groups in decision-making.
Salaam made the remarks on Saturday during the party’s state congress held in Osogbo, where new state executives were elected.
The congress, which attracted delegates from all 30 local government areas, was conducted under tight security, with operatives of the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) deployed to maintain order.
The exercise was supervised by the chairman of the Osun ADC Congress Committee, Mudashiru Akinlabi.
At the end of the exercise, Issa Adesiji emerged as state chairman, while Lani Baderinwa was elected secretary through a consensus arrangement.
Other members of the executive include Adepeju Adigun as Treasurer, Funmilade Oyebode as Women Leader, Ademola Owoade as Youth Leader, and Oluwaseun Abosede as Publicity Secretary.
In his acceptance speech, Adesiji urged party executives to prepare for the forthcoming governorship election, calling on members to brace up for the task ahead and work collectively towards victory.
He noted that the party is repositioning from a challenging phase and emphasised the need for unity and teamwork to secure success at the polls.
