Salaam Defends Choice Of Female Running Mate

African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate in the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, Dr Najeem Salaam, has described his choice of a woman, Mrs Yemisi Agiri, as running mate as both strategic and value-driven.

After the election by consensus of a new set of executive committee members for the party in Osogbo, Salaam, who appeared alongside his running mate, said the choice of Agiri reflects the party’s commitment to inclusive governance, gender balance and broader representation in leadership.

He said the ADC deliberately opted for a female running mate to ensure that women, who constitute a significant portion of the population, are actively represented in the decision-making process.

The former Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly noted that beyond symbolism, the selection was based on competence and the need to harness diverse perspectives in governance.

He maintained that empowering women in leadership roles would enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in areas affecting families, education, healthcare, and social development.

‎“Our decision to pick a female deputy governorship candidate is intentional and strategic. It is about inclusion, fairness, and tapping into the immense potential that women bring to governance,” Salaam said.

He further assured that, if elected, his administration would run a government that accommodates all segments of society, irrespective of gender, age, or background, adding that the ADC government would prioritise policies that promote equity, development, and collective progress across Osun State.

‎Salaam concluded by reaffirming his commitment to delivering real development and urged party members and the electorate to support the ADC in the forthcoming election.