The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has admitted that he is a bit stubborn and does not have immense patience, describing the party’s governorship candidate in Osun State, Hon. Najeem Salaam, as a calm and patient leader capable of governing the state.
According to The Nation, Aregbesola made the remarks while addressing indigenes of Ile-Ife at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, shortly before the party’s campaign rally.
The former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State said the visit to the palace was to formally present the ADC governorship candidate to the monarch and seek support for his aspiration ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Speaking on the personality of the party’s candidate, Aregbesola described Salaam as a man of patience and good character, contrasting him with himself.
He said he is a bit stubborn and his patience is limited, unlike Salaam, whom he described as someone with exceptional patience. He added that the ADC governorship candidate was honoured with the title Iwaloye in Ejigbo, a title he said reflects good character.
Aregbesola further stated that while he has his shortcomings, God had helped him in those areas, noting that Salaam is the type of person who would remain calm even when provoked rather than retaliate.
The ADC National Secretary said he is fully backing Salaam’s candidacy for the August 15 governorship election.
He expressed confidence that if elected, the party’s candidate would build on the foundation laid during his administration as governor and surpass his achievements in office.
Aregbesola also recalled that he traditionally began his political campaigns from Ile-Ife before and during his tenure as governor, adding that his successor did not sustain the tradition well.