The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for the 2026 Osun State election, Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam, has assured the people of the state of his commitment to inclusive development and responsible leadership if elected.

‎Dr. Salaam gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ogiyan of Ejigboland, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode Oyesosin II, where he formally presented himself as a candidate in the forthcoming governorship election.

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‎Speaking at the palace, the former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly noted that Ejigboland has historically supported governorship candidates across the state without reservation.

He, however, said the time has come for other towns to reciprocate the gesture by supporting Ejigboland to produce the next Governor of Osun State.

‎Dr. Salaam, who is also the Oluomo of Ejigboland, commended the reign of the current Ogiyan, describing it as a period marked by notable political and developmental progress for Ejigbo and its people.

‎“Since the ascension of the Ogiyan to the throne, Ejigbo has produced a Senator, a member of the House of Representatives, and two Speakers of the Osun State House of Assembly. It is now time for Ejigboland to produce a Governor,” he said.

“I want to assure my father, the Ogiyan, that I will not disappoint him, the people of Ejigboland and Osun State when I become the next Governor. I promise to run an inclusive governance where everyone will have a say”

‎In his response, the Ogiyan of Ejigboland, Oba Omowonuola Oyesosin II, expressed appreciation to Dr. Salaam for bringing honour to Ejigboland through his governorship ambition.

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The monarch prayed for the success of his aspiration, noting that the unity, acceptance, and goodwill surrounding Dr. Salaam and the ADC are clear indications of a promising journey ahead.

‎Meanwhile, Dr. Salaam has appealed to his supporters, particularly on social media, to refrain from engaging in abusive, insulting, or demeaning exchanges against political opponents.

‎“As we embark on this journey toward the 2026 Osun State gubernatorial election, I wish to express my profound appreciation to every member of this movement, both at home and our energetic voices across social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp,” he said.

‎He stressed that politics should remain a contest of ideas rather than a platform for insults, urging his supporters to uphold the Omoluabi ethos of dignity, integrity, respect, and honour that Osun State is known for.

‎“We can prosecute our campaign with passion without descending into recklessness. We can offer constructive criticism without demeaning others, and we can persuade minds without damaging the bonds that unite us as a people,” he added.

‎Dr. Salaam further reminded supporters that all indigenes of Osun share a common heritage and collective aspirations, which should outweigh political differences.

‎He, therefore, urged his supporters to embrace politics with maturity, civility, and pride, and to demonstrate that leadership from Osun State can be anchored on unity, respect, and purpose rather than hostility and division.