Ex-speaker of Osun State House of Assembly and ADC governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam
- says: ‘I’m on rescue mission’
By John Dike, Osogbo
As political activities ahead of the 2026 governorship election gather momentum in Osun State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled Rt. Hon. Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam (Iwaloye) as its governorship candidate, projecting him as a credible alternative to what the party describes as years of poor governance and misplaced priorities.
Salaam, a former Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, formally declared his intention to contest the governorship, describing his ambition as a “mission to rescue Osun State” rather than a routine political contest.
He said he was determined to rescue the state from what he described as prolonged misgovernance that has negatively affected governance, development and the welfare of the people over the years.
Speaking during engagements with party members, professionals, youths and community leaders across the state, Salaam said Osun remains richly endowed with both human and natural resources, yet the people continue to suffer due to leadership failures, weak institutional accountability and policies that fail to prioritise citizens’ welfare.
According to him, governance must be driven by compassion, fairness and responsibility, stressing that leadership should never be used as an instrument of intimidation or exclusion of the grassroots.
“Osun deserves leadership that listens to the people, feels their pain and has the courage to do what is right,” he said.
People-Centred Governance at the Core
Salaam said his governorship agenda is anchored on people-centred governance, which he explained would focus on translating public resources into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.
Under his proposed administration, he pledged to prioritise workers’ welfare through the prompt payment of salaries and entitlements, while fully respecting labour agreements.
He also promised to revitalise the education sector through improved infrastructure, teacher motivation and policies aimed at restoring Osun’s reputation as a centre of academic excellence.
The ADC governorship hopeful further outlined plans to strengthen healthcare delivery across both urban and rural areas, ensure meaningful youth empowerment through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship support and job creation, and empower local governments to function effectively as engines of grassroots development.
Experience and Leadership
Salaam pointed to his experience as a former Speaker of the State Assembly as evidence of his understanding of governance, lawmaking and consensus-building.
According to his supporters, Salaam is a calm and principled leader whose approach to politics is guided by conscience and service rather than desperation for power.
He has repeatedly emphasised that his loyalty lies with the people of Osun State, assuring that transparency, inclusiveness and compassion would define his administration if elected.
ADC Positions Itself as Credible Alternative
With Salaam’s emergence, the ADC is positioning itself as a viable third force in Osun politics, appealing to citizens disenchanted with what the party described as “politics as usual.”
Party leaders said the message of integrity, accountability and service resonates strongly with voters seeking a new direction for the state.
As the 2026 election approaches, Salaam has called on residents of Osun State to rise above party affiliations and work collectively toward rebuilding the state.
“Rescuing Osun will require honest leadership, collective effort and a renewed social contract between government and the governed.
The ADC expressed confidence that with purposeful, people-focused leadership, Osun State can regain hope and move towards sustainable development beyond slogans and empty promises.
Salaam, a grassroots politician with several academic publications to his credit, was born on August 8, 1965 at Ejigbo, in Ejigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The works include the best-selling textbook, Rudiments of Government and Politics, published in 2019 by Concept Publications, Lagos, Nigeria, which he co-authored with Dr. Solomon Ayegba Usman.
He holds a 1993 second upper bachelor’s degree in Political Science of the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile Ife. Also, he holds a 2018 doctorate degree of the same university in the same discipline.
Salaam has attended leadership and capacity building courses in the United Kingdom, the United States, United Arab Emirates, and Brazil among others.
In the 2011 elections, Salaam contested the 2011 election and won a seat in the state assembly where he was elected Speaker on 2 June 2011.
According to Wikipedia, “He was elected Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the Conference of Speakers of States Legislature, with a mandate to midwife new executive members of the Conference through a free and fair election. The election, conducted in 2012, is still adjudged one of the association’s best.
“During his tenure as Speaker of the assembly (2011-2015) in Osun, the house promulgated 32 Bills, made 42 Resolutions and conducted 4 public Hearings. The laws involved HIV/AIDS, signage and street advertising, security trust funds and urban renewal.[8]
“He was re-elected as the Speaker.
“As of 8 January 2017, the Assembly had passed 7 bills, 2 resolutions and conducted 3 public hearings. One of the bills established a microcredit agency, seeking to stimulate economic activity.
“Under his leadership the Assembly is reputed to have operated in a rancour-free atmosphere, working harmoniously with the executive. This friendly relationship has been questioned by his critics. They see the House as toothless and a rubber-stamp of the executive.”
