Rauf Aregbesola, National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declared he has never slept with any woman other than his wife.
The public statement comes as Aregbesola seeks to build trust and project personal integrity ahead of the upcoming governorship election [1].
Speaking Monday at an ADC rally in the Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State, Aregbesola addressed supporters regarding his private life and marriage. He said that he has not had sexual relations with any woman other than his wife, Sherifat, since their marriage [2].
"I've never slept with another woman since I married my wife," Aregbesola said [1].
The politician described the pledge as a personal commitment to God. He used the platform to reassure his supporters of his character while campaigning for the election scheduled for Aug. 15 [1].
Throughout the event, Aregbesola emphasized that his fidelity is a cornerstone of his personal values. He vowed to maintain this commitment to his spouse as he continues his political duties, a move seen as an effort to align his public image with traditional family values.
"I have not had sexual relations with any woman other than my wife, Sherifat, since our marriage," Aregbesola said [2].
“"I've never slept with another woman since I married my wife."”
By centering a campaign appearance on personal morality and marital fidelity, Aregbesola is utilizing a 'character-first' strategy to appeal to the conservative social values of the Osun State electorate. In Nigerian politics, public declarations of religious and family devotion are often used to establish a candidate's reliability and moral standing before a vote.
