The African Democratic Congress, ADC, campaign spokesperson in Osun State, Adebisi Nurein Debo, has denounced vote buying and election violence ahead of the 2026 governorship race. Debo made the remarks on Friday at the Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Guest Platform.
He urged voters to reject financial inducements at the ballot box, even as he acknowledged the reality of such offers. "Collect whatever money is offered because it is everybody's common wealth, but do not vote for them," he said.
The party remains committed to peaceful democratic participation and rejects any popularity gained through violent means, Debo stressed. He portrayed the ADC as an emerging opposition force that has gained significant traction within the past year.
"A year ago nobody spoke of the ADC. A year and five days today, ADC has become a serious contending coalition of opposition," he told journalists.
He added that the party's growth reflects its strength as a force to reckon with in state politics.
Debo outlined the party's vision for governance, saying the ADC's governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam, has presented a comprehensive development blueprint for Osun. He noted that only Salaam and former governor Rauf Aregbesola had come forward with detailed plans for the state's future.
"Trial and error will lead to multiplicity of errors," Debo warned, emphasising the need for a prepared vision. The party's 10-point agenda prioritises workers' welfare, agriculture, security, and commerce without increasing taxes, he explained.
The ADC campaign also pledged to improve electricity supply to enhance productivity and implement people-centred governance policies. According to Debo, the party aims to deliver at least 70 per cent of its campaign promises within the first three years in office.
He claimed the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun has engaged in "political agenda theft" as it pursues its own electoral strategy. An ADC administration would focus on talent discovery and create 20,000 jobs for youths within its first 100 days, Debo promised.
Speaking on Salaam's relationship with Aregbesola, Debo described the former governor as a mentor and leader who has strengthened Salaam's electoral appeal. "Aregbesola had established himself as a household name in Osun and Nigerian politics," he said.
Debo criticised the current state of local government administration, blaming what he called abuse of power by the APC and incompetence from Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration. He questioned the governor's endorsement of "his tormentor in chief," alleging a dangerous political trade-off between Abuja and Osogbo over the local government issue.
