‎Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2026 Osun State election, sweeping the party’s primary with a landslide victory.
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‎Salaam, a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and the sole aspirant in the race, was declared winner after the conclusion of the ADC governorship primary election held on Monday in Osogbo.

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‎Announcing the results, Chairman of the Osun ADC Governorship Primary Election Committee, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, said a total of 535 delegates were expected, comprising 482 delegates from wards and local government areas and 53 special delegates.
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‎According to him, 528 delegates were accredited and also cast their votes. Of the total votes, eight were declared invalid, while 520 were valid, all cast in favour of Salaam.
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‎“By the powers conferred on this panel by the constitution of the ADC, I hereby announce that the candidate-elect and flagbearer of the party for the 2026 Osun governorship election is Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam,” Nwajiuba declared.
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‎In his acceptance speech, Salaam described his emergence as more than a routine political victory, calling it a moral responsibility.
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‎“Today is not simply a political moment; it is a moral calling. I thank the leadership and members of the ADC for the confidence reposed in me. Your trust is not taken lightly,” he said.
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‎Explaining his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salaam said his exit was driven by conscience rather than ambition.
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‎“Leaving that structure was not an act of disloyalty; it was an act of conscience,” he stated.
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‎He blamed Osun’s challenges on “years of poor political judgment, internal contradictions and misplaced priorities,” particularly within the APC, noting that genuine attempts at reform were resisted.
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‎Salaam also criticised the withholding of local government allocations, saying the development had weakened grassroots governance and triggered legal battles that left schools struggling, workers unpaid and communities neglected.
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‎He said the ADC represents a new path anchored on responsible leadership, transparency, unity and development, stressing that the party has rejected what he described as the “politics of punishment.”
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‎Outlining his agenda, Salaam pledged to prioritise workers’ welfare, revive the education sector, empower youths, strengthen security, promote local enterprise and restore public confidence in governance.
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‎He called on party members and supporters to remain united as the ADC intensifies preparations for the 2026 governorship election in Osun State.