The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Najeem Salaam, has alleged widespread manipulation in the ongoing Osun State governorship election.

Salaam stated this shortly after casting his ballot at Unit 003, Iroyin Ayo Open Space, Ward 004, Ejigbo, where he voted alongside his wife.

The former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly said the response of voters across the state had convinced him that the electorate was yearning for a change in leadership.

He said, “Without manipulation, I will win this election. The people of Osun are behind me and they are ready for change. What we have been hearing from across the state shows that there is a strong desire for a new direction.”

However, the ADC candidate raised concerns over reports of alleged irregularities at several polling locations, saying information reaching his camp suggested that the electoral process was being compromised in parts of the state.

“From the information I am getting across the state, there is widespread manipulation. We are monitoring the situation and we are hopeful that the will of the people will ultimately prevail,” he said.

Salaam also rejected allegations of vote buying involving the ADC, maintaining that the party had not engaged in any practice aimed at influencing voters with money or other inducements.

According to him, the party’s priority was to ensure that voters were allowed to exercise their franchise without interference.

“Our party is not involved in vote buying. We believe that the people should be allowed to freely choose the candidate they want. We are here to participate in a democratic process and we expect the votes of the people to count,” he said.

The candidate further alleged that some agents representing the ADC had been prevented from participating in the electoral process at certain polling units.

He described the alleged denial of access to party agents as a development capable of undermining the transparency and credibility of the election.

Salaam urged his supporters and other voters across the state to remain calm, peaceful and vigilant as voting and the subsequent counting of ballots continued.

He expressed confidence that despite the concerns raised, the genuine choice of Osun voters would ultimately prevail in the final outcome of the election.