Aregbesola’s ADC Mobilisation Shakes Osun Politics as Dr. Najeem Salaam Emerges Major Threat to APC, PDP

By Newsworld

The political landscape in Osun State is undergoing a significant shift following the statewide mobilisation tour recently concluded by former Governor Rauf Aregbesola under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The tour, which drew large crowds across senatorial districts, has triggered visible reactions from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with analysts describing the development as a major disruption to the state’s 2026 political calculations.

The APC, which previously argued that Aregbesola no longer commanded substantial influence in the state, has intensified its media engagements in recent days.

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Multiple statements, counter-statements and opinion pieces have emerged from party loyalists, signalling concern over the growing momentum around the ADC.

Political observers say the sudden rise in activity contradicts earlier assertions that Aregbesola’s political relevance had diminished.

“If Aregbesola truly held no influence, the level of attention and rapid response from the APC would not be this intense,” a political analyst in Osogbo noted. “The party’s recent behaviour suggests discomfort, not confidence.”

Aregbesola’s tour reactivated a network of supporters that had remained dormant since internal conflicts within the APC pushed many of them to the sidelines.

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Across major towns visited, the turnout reflected a strong base still loyal to his political ideology.

Communities across Ilesa, Osogbo, Iwo, and Ede witnessed enthusiastic receptions, indicating that Aregbesola’s grassroots connections remain intact.

The development has posed a fresh challenge to the APC, which continues to grapple with internal disagreements.

*Dr. Najeem Salaam Emerges as ADC’s Rising Force*

However, the most significant development unsettling both APC and PDP leaders is the growing profile of former Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam, widely seen as the leading ADC candidate for the 2026 governorship election.

Dr. Salaam, a respected professional with broad connections across community and youth groups, has been described as the “new factor” neither of the two dominant parties anticipated.

His appeal is considered strong among professionals, students, artisans, and voters seeking alternatives outside the APC–PDP rivalry.

Analysts note that Dr. Salaam’s clean public image, combined with Aregbesola’s reawakened political network, has created a formidable front capable of influencing voter alignment ahead of 2027.

“Salaam represents a departure from the traditional political class,” a political commentator said.

“His emergence gives ADC a viable platform that can draw support from outside the old structures.”

Sources within the major parties indicate growing unease.

While the APC is dealing with internal factions and unresolved disputes, the PDP is also reportedly monitoring the rising influence of the ADC with caution, particularly in some local governments.

With the ADC gaining visibility, political strategists in the state say Osun may be heading toward a competitive three-way race in the next election cycle.

Several community groups are reported to have intensified consultation meetings, exploring the possibility of shifting support away from the long-standing two-party dominance.

A Fresh Message for Osun Electorate

Dr. Najeem Salaam has consistently presented himself as a candidate focused on transparency, fairness and inclusive governance.

His public engagements emphasise the need for fresh leadership capable of addressing development gaps without the baggage of partisan conflicts.

“Osun needs leadership that is not tied to old quarrels or entrenched interests,” he stated during a recent meeting with youth organisations. “The people deserve a government that prioritises progress and unity.”

The message appears to resonate, especially among young voters and residents disillusioned by years of political tension between APC and PDP forces.

2026: A Political Realignment in View

With Aregbesola’s renewed involvement and Dr. Salaam’s rising popularity, the ADC has unexpectedly positioned itself as a major player in Osun’s evolving political dynamics. Both APC and PDP are now recalibrating strategies as the momentum around the ADC continues to expand.

As political alignments shift and grassroots sentiments evolve, analysts predict that the 2027 governorship election may break away from traditional patterns, potentially ushering in one of the most competitive races in the state’s recent history.

For now, one reality is becoming clear;
the ADC has emerged as a significant disruptor, altering political expectations and forcing Osun’s dominant parties to return to the drawing board.