Najeem Salaam
By John Dike, Osogbo
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has picked a former speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Dr. Najeem Salaam, as its governorship candidate in the coming election in the state.
He was picked on Monday at at the party’s governorship primary held on in Osogbo, the state capital, by 520 of the 528 delegatesat who participated at the exercise.
A two-term Speaker during the eight-year tenure of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, he was the sole contestant for the party’s ticket at the primary.
The chairman of the ADC Primary Election Committee, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, who announced the result, stated that 535 delegates were expected for the exercise, including 482 from local government areas and wards, and 53 special delegates.
He said 528 delegates were accredited, all of whom cast their votes. Eight votes were declared invalid, while the remaining 520 valid votes were all credited to Salaam.
His words,“The total number of votes scored by aspirant Najeem Salaam is 520 votes,
“By the powers conferred on this panel by the constitution of the ADC, I hereby declare Hon. Najeem Folasayo Salaam as the candidate-elect and flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.”
With his emergence as the party’s standard-bearer, Salaam is set to lead the ADC into what promises to be a highly competitive governorship race in Osun State.
In his acceptance speech, he described the moment as a moral calling, emphasising leadership “rooted in service, conscience, and compassion” and thanking the party for their confidence.
He paid tributes to leaders such as Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Felix Kola Ogunwale, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, Senator Adelere Oriolowo, Mr. Olajide Adeniji, and Mrs. Siju Adeoye for their support and dedication.
He also highlighted the need for competent governance in Osun, criticising the APC for internal conflicts and mismanagement that have weakened institutions, delayed workers’ salaries, and hindered local governance.
Salaam explained that leaving his former party was “an act of conscience” to serve the people of Osun more effectively.
He said, “Our loyalty has always been to Osun State and its people—not to failed systems or empty slogans,”
“I assure you today: I will not betray this trust. We will not fail Osun. ADC will not fail Osun. Osun deserves better—and Osun will get better.”
Highlighting his plans if elected governor, Salaam pledged to prioritise workers’ welfare, revive the education sector, empower youths, strengthen security, promote local enterprise, and restore public confidence in governance.
He called on party members and supporters to remain united and work hard ahead of the 2026 governorship election, stressing that the ADC represents a new path anchored on responsible leadership, transparency, unity, and development, and has rejected what he described as the “politics of punishment.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (had directed parties fielding candidates for the August 8, 2026, Osun governorship poll to submit the names of their candidates by December 15.
Meanwhile, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has picked the ticket of the Accord Party, while former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji, emerged as the All Progressives Congress candidate.
