By John Dike, Osogbo
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has pickled a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam, as its governorship candidate for the state’s 2026 election.
This decision followed a decisive vote by the party’s national leadership during a closed-door meeting held on Friday, 28 November 2025, in Lagos.
Dr. Salaam emerged as the preferred choice over Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, a former Secretary to the Osun State Government, after the party convened to resolve internal disagreements and unify behind a single candidate ahead of the upcoming polls.
According to party insiders, the Lagos meeting was called to bridge long-standing divisions within the ADC and ensure a consensus-driven approach as the 2026 governorship race intensifies.
The outcome, which favoured Dr. Salaam, is seen as a significant shift in the party’s internal power balance.
Despite Adeoti’s loss, party stakeholders have urged unity across both factions, emphasizing the need for cohesion as the ADC prepares to compete in what is expected to be a tightly contested election cycle.
The ADC is scheduled to formally present Dr. Salaam to its Osun chapter in the coming days, alongside unveiling its strategic roadmap for the 2026 governorship race.
