Najeem Salaam, the governorship candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during the ongoing elections in Ejigbo. The incident occurred shortly after Salaam cast his vote at Ward 4, Unit 13, in the Ejigbo Local Government Area, raising serious concerns about the safety of candidates and voters alike.

According to Abosede Busayo Oluwaseun, the ADC's Publicity Secretary, local residents intervened promptly to protect Salaam from the assailants. He emphasized that the swift action of the community members prevented what could have been a tragic outcome. "Had it not been for the timely intervention and intelligence of residents at the scene, what happened today could have resulted in yet another tragic loss of life," Oluwaseun stated.

The incident not only disrupted the voting process but also highlighted allegations of electoral irregularities in the area. Oluwaseun condemned the violence, asserting that democracy should not turn into a battlefield. He called on security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure the safety of all participants in the electoral process.

Despite the chaos, Salaam remained optimistic about his chances in the election. He expressed confidence that he would secure victory if the voting process was conducted fairly. "Without manipulation, I will win this election. The people of Osun are behind me and they are ready for change," he stated, reflecting the sentiments of many voters who are eager for a new direction in leadership.

Salaam also raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, citing reports of irregularities from various parts of the state. He denied allegations of his party's involvement in vote-buying, emphasizing that the ADC is committed to a transparent electoral process. "Our party is not involved in vote-buying. We believe that the people should be allowed to freely choose the candidate they want," he affirmed.

In light of the recent events, Salaam urged his supporters and other voters to remain peaceful and vigilant. He pointed out that the exclusion of ADC agents in certain areas could jeopardize the transparency of the election, particularly during voting and counting phases. As the election unfolds, the ADC candidate's survival from the assassination attempt underscores the tense atmosphere surrounding the electoral process in Osun State.