Dr. Najeem Salaam, the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Osun State, has raised concerns over the reported failure to recognise party agents at polling units across approximately ten local government areas. Speaking after casting his vote at Ward 4, Unit 13, in Ejigbo Local Government Area, Salaam described the situation as “worrisome and disturbing.”
According to Salaam, the names of all ADC agents were uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission platform as required. However, he alleged that agents in Ward 5, Ejigbo, were not issued accreditation tags despite the party’s compliance. He said similar complaints had emerged from roughly ten local government areas throughout the state.
The candidate said the matter had been reported to the relevant authorities, who are currently looking into it. “When the votes are being counted, it is necessary for my agents to be recognised at the polling units,” he stated. Salaam indicated he might address the press again after voting concludes to provide an update.
Aside from the accreditation issue, Salaam noted that the voting process in Ejigbo Local Government had proceeded without crisis so far, expressing hope that peace would be maintained through the end of the exercise. He stressed that the presence of party agents is essential to the integrity of the election. “All the names were uploaded onto the INEC platform, so I don’t understand why we are now being denied the opportunity to have our party agents present,” he said.
Salaam framed the problem as a lapse in INEC’s preparation. “When you requested that the parties upload the names of their agents, we did so. I don’t understand how or why the party agents would not be given tags,” he added.
On the broader election, Salaam expressed confidence in his prospects if the contest is conducted fairly. “If there is a fair election, with no rigging or manipulation, and there is a level playing field, I trust my God that I’m going to win the election,” he said. He also rejected vote-buying, stating his campaign focuses on engaging voters with programmes rather than financial inducements. “People should decide whom they want, and I think it should be fair enough for them to have the right to choose whom they prefer as a candidate or as the governor of the state,” he concluded.
