Former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Najeem Salaam, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2026 Osun State election.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Salaam secured the party’s ticket at the ADC governorship primary held on Monday at the Ultimate Civic Centre in Osogbo, the state capital.
Before the commencement of the primary, the Chairman of the ADC 2026 Primary Election Committee, Mr. Emeka Nwajiuba, informed party delegates that Salaam was the sole aspirant for the governorship position.
According to Nwajiuba, records from the office of the ADC Organising Secretary, as well as the outcome of the party’s screening exercise, confirmed that Salaam was the only contestant seeking the party’s ticket for the 2026 election.
A total of 528 delegates drawn from the 332 wards across Osun State participated in the primary, lining up to cast their votes in accordance with party guidelines.
Announcing the outcome of the exercise, Nwajiuba disclosed that all 528 votes were cast, with 520 votes declared valid in favour of Najeem 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, hereby announce Najeem Salaam as the candidate-elect and flag bearer of our party for the 2026 Osun governorship election,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Salaam expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the ADC for the confidence reposed in him and for entrusting him with the party’s mandate.
He described the nomination as a call to service, noting that he accepted it with a deep sense of responsibility.
“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 pledged to work with party members and stakeholders to advance the ADC’s vision and present a credible alternative to the people of Osun State ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
