Former assembly speaker speaks on political alignment shift
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the upcoming Osun State gubernatorial election, Honourable Femi Salam, has explained the rationale behind his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Salam, who previously served as the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, described his exit from the ruling party as a necessary “act of conscience.” His decision was rooted in a principled objection to the manner in which the party conducted its internal affairs and leadership selection.
Salam made this crucial clarification during a public address where he sought to reassure his supporters and the wider electorate about his political integrity. His move to the ADC has been one of the most significant political realignments in the state leading up to the election. The candidate emphasized that his move was driven by a deep commitment to democratic principles and fair play within the political process.
Objections to APC’s internal processes drove his departure
The former Speaker stated that his conscience could not permit him to remain within the APC due to fundamental disagreements with the party’s internal practices. Salam specifically pointed to issues concerning fairness and transparency in how the party handled its nomination and primary processes. He argued that the political environment within the APC had become antithetical to his core values.
He stressed that true democratic representation requires fidelity to internal party democracy. When that essential foundation is compromised, he felt he had a moral duty to seek a platform that better aligned with his belief in justice and accountability. His move was therefore a principled protest against what he perceived as undemocratic tendencies within his former party.
Salam finds a home in the African Democratic Congress
Upon his exit from the APC, Honourable Salam chose the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as his new political home. He credited the ADC with demonstrating a commitment to the democratic ideals he believes were lacking in his former party. The ADC provided him with a platform to genuinely contest the gubernatorial election and offer the people of Osun State an alternative.
Salam expressed his commitment to the ideals and manifesto of the ADC, positioning himself as a candidate dedicated to serving the interests of the common man. He believes the ADC offers the best opportunity to introduce responsible, people-centered governance to the state. His candidacy is now seen as a major challenge to the established dominance of the two major parties.
The importance of conscience in political leadership
The candidate’s emphasis on his move being an “act of conscience” resonates with a section of the electorate frustrated by political opportunism and party defections based purely on personal gain. By framing his exit in moral terms, Salam is attempting to establish himself as a leader driven by principle rather than convenience. This ethical positioning is a key strategy in his campaign to win over skeptical voters.
Salam urged the people of Osun State to prioritize candidates who demonstrate consistency and integrity in their political conduct. He positioned the upcoming gubernatorial election as a choice between maintaining the status quo and embracing a new era of principled leadership. He is using his past service as Speaker to assure voters of his competence and experience in governance.
Broader context of osun state politics
The Osun State gubernatorial race is highly competitive, traditionally dominated by the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Honourable Salam’s entrance into the race on the ADC platform injects a strong third force into the contest. His influence as a former Speaker and his popularity in certain constituencies make him a significant factor.
His candidacy is likely to split votes, particularly those in his former party, complicating the electoral strategies of both the APC and the PDP. The final results of the Osun guber election will be a key indicator of the political mood in the South-West region and the potential for smaller parties to challenge the established political order. Salam remains confident that his platform, anchored on conscience and integrity, will resonate with the state’s voters.
