The Democrats, a political think-tank, has commended the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for what it described as a transparent and credible conduct of its Osun state governorship primary.
In a statement issued on Monday, Thompson Samuel, the acting coordinator of the Democrats, said the group praised the national leadership of the ADC for organising a peaceful and democratic primary election held in Osogbo, the Osun state capital.
The Democrats, a coalition of young professionals committed to promoting democratic ideals in Nigeria, said the process reflected fairness, openness and strict adherence to democratic principles.
The group particularly lauded Rauf Aregbesola, the leader of the ADC in Osun, for purposeful leadership that ensured a level playing field for all aspirants.
Advertisement
According to the statement, the atmosphere of the primary and the transparent manner in which it was conducted demonstrated Aregbesola’s commitment to internal party democracy and a healthy political culture.
The group also congratulated the former speaker of the Osun state house of assembly, Najeem Sallam, on his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate, describing his victory as evidence that votes truly counted during the exercise.
“The emergence of Rt. Hon. Najeem Sallam further reinforces the belief that democracy can thrive within political parties when fairness, inclusiveness, and respect for due process are upheld,” the statement reads.
Advertisement
The think-tank likened the ADC primary to a model worthy of emulation by other political parties, especially at a time when public confidence in democratic institutions is being tested.
The group urged party stakeholders to unite behind Sallam and called on the ADC leadership to sustain the standard of transparency as preparations continue towards the Osun governorship election and other national polls.
