National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has urged voters in Osun State, particularly supporters of the party, to protect their votes and resist any attempt to manipulate the electoral process ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
Mark made the call on Monday in Osogbo while handing over the party’s flag to the ADC governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam, at the party’s campaign finale.
He urged ADC supporters to remain vigilant, participate actively in the election and ensure that their votes count.
“You must not allow yourselves to be rigged out of this election. You have demonstrated your ability, capacity and determination to win this election. You must therefore prepare to defend the votes you cast. Don’t allow your votes to be taken away from you,” Mark said.
The ADC chairman said the party was confident of victory, urging its supporters not to be intimidated before, during or after the poll.
His remarks came as major political parties intensified their final mobilisation efforts ahead of the election, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026. INEC’s official website lists August 15 as the date for the Osun governorship election.
Also speaking at the campaign rally, ADC presidential candidate and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar appealed to Osun voters to support Salaam, describing the ADC as an alternative political platform.
Atiku recalled the support he received from Osun voters during previous elections and urged them to repeat that support for the ADC in the forthcoming governorship poll.
Former Osun Governor and ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, also urged voters to back Salaam, while dismissing claims that the party had entered into an alliance with another political party ahead of the election.
Salaam, a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, outlined several campaign promises, including improved electricity supply, free basic healthcare for children and pregnant women, reforms in education and employment opportunities for youths.
The Osun governorship contest is expected to be closely watched, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord and APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji among the major contenders alongside Salaam.
INEC has also raised concerns over vote buying ahead of the poll and urged stakeholders to support efforts to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
With the election only days away, Mark’s appeal adds to growing calls by political parties and electoral stakeholders for a peaceful, transparent and credible poll in Osun State.
