Aug 3, 2026

Aregbesola, Iwaloye Lead Massive ADC Mega Rally in Iwo

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in politics

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Iwo, Osun State – August 3, 2026 — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) staged a major show of strength on Monday as thousands of supporters poured into the frontage of the Oluwo Palace in Iwo for a mega rally led by party National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and governorship candidate Rt. Hon. Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam, popularly known as Iwaloye.

The event, held just 12 days before the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election, drew enthusiastic crowds of party faithful, youth groups, and community members who turned out to receive the ADC leaders and reaffirm their support for the party’s flagbearer.

Electrifying Atmosphere in Historic Iwo

Supporters lined the streets and filled the open space in front of the Oluwo Palace, creating an energetic atmosphere filled with chants, party colors, and campaign messages. The rally underscored what ADC organizers described as growing grassroots momentum across Osun State.

Aregbesola, the former Osun governor and current ADC National Secretary, led the campaign team alongside Salaam, a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly.

The gathering formed part of the party’s ongoing statewide mobilization as the election countdown intensifies.

Party leaders used the platform to push the ADC’s message of hope, good governance, and people-centered leadership, positioning the party as a viable alternative in the three-way contest that also features incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Munirudeen Oyebamiji.

Expanding Grassroots Support

The Iwo mega rally comes after similar large turnouts in other parts of the state, including earlier events in Ile-Ife. ADC officials say the consistent crowds reflect expanding support for Salaam’s candidacy and the party’s broader appeal among voters seeking change.

Salaam, who emerged as the ADC candidate after winning the party’s primary, has been campaigning on a platform focused on development, accountability, and improved service delivery.

His supporters in Iwo and surrounding communities turned out in large numbers to show solidarity.

Road to August 15

With the governorship election now less than two weeks away, political activities across Osun have intensified.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged peaceful conduct, while major candidates have signed peace accords aimed at preventing violence.

For the ADC, the successful Iwo outing represents another significant step in its effort to convert visibility and energy into votes on election day.

Party leaders left the rally expressing confidence that the growing support base would translate into a strong performance at the polls.

As the campaign enters its final stretch, all eyes remain on Osun State, where the combination of an incumbent seeking re-election, a major opposition challenge from the APC, and the ADC’s emerging third-force push continues to shape one of the most closely watched off-cycle contests of 2026.