A former Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly, Mr Najeem Salaam, on Monday emerged as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for the state’s 2026 election.
Salaam secured the party’s ticket during the ADC primary held at the Ultimate Civic Centre in Osogbo.
Addressing party delegates before the exercise, the Chairman of the ADC 2026 Primary Election Committee, Mr Emeka Nwajiuba, said Salaam was the sole aspirant for the office.
“The list and information from the ADC Organising Secretary’s Office, as well as the screening exercise conducted, indicate that Salaam is the only aspirant vying for the party’s ticket,” Nwajiuba said.
A total of 528 delegates from across the state’s 332 wards lined up to cast their votes. Announcing the results, Nwajiuba said 520 valid votes were cast in favour of Salaam, while eight votes were voided.
“By the power conferred on this panel by the constitution of the ADC, I, Emeka Nwajiuba, Chairman of the panel, announce the candidate-elect and flag bearer of our party for the Osun governorship election 2026: Najeem Salaam,” he declared.
In his acceptance speech, Salaam thanked the ADC members and leadership for their confidence in him and for entrusting him with the party’s mandate.
“I accept this mandate as the gubernatorial candidate of the ADC with a deep sense of responsibility. I accept it with hope because our people still believe. I accept it with prayer because the challenges ahead are real,” Salaam said.
He described the ADC as a credible alternative government and expressed his commitment to representing the party in the forthcoming election.