Osundecides: ADC Candidate alleges attack by hoodlums

By Ismail Azeez

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the Osun State governorship election, Dr. Najeem Salaam, has alleged that he was the target of a planned attack shortly after casting his vote.

Salaam, who spoke after the incident, said the electoral process was totally disrupted, alleging that his attackers had specifically targeted him.

He added that the incident occurred immediately after he cast his vote, noting that voters had been peacefully voting before his arrival at the polling unit.

He described the incident as a serious and well-planned attack, expressing concern over the conduct of security personnel and the state of democracy in Nigeria.

According to him, his decision to move away from the area strategically, coupled with the intervention of his security personnel, prevented the alleged attack from being carried out.

“There was a total disruption of the electoral process. The plan was to attack me. That was an attempt to attack me personally.”

“It was my strategic movement away from that area that made it impossible for them to attack me. Of course, my security personnel protected me and helped me get out of the area.”

“A lot of people ran for their lives. Elderly women and men ran away to save their lives. So, how can one be happy with this?”

Salaam also alleged that security personnel at the scene failed to provide adequate protection to citizens, claiming that some officers merely watched as the situation unfolded.

“The security officials have arrested one of them, and I hope and believe he is still in their custody. We will pursue this afterwards because, in an attempt on my life, I cannot close my eyes, remain calm or stay silent about it.”

“If we really want to protect the democracy that we are all yearning for, this is not the way to go. People are being denied. This is the use of force.”

“This is not an election; it is a selection. You want people who want to be in power, and then you select them. That is exactly what they are doing.”

“You are in power today; you will not be there tomorrow. What legacy are we leaving for them? Which direction are we giving to the people who are coming behind us?” he queried.