A former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Najeem Salaam, has emerged as the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
The emergence followed the party’s governorship primary held on Monday at the Ultimate Civic Centre, Osogbo, with Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba PhD serving as the Returning Officer and Chairman of the panel of ADC 2026 Primary Election Committee.
Speaking to party delegates before the commencement of the primary, Nwajiuba disclosed that Salaam was the sole aspirant cleared to contest the party’s ticket.
“From the list and information provided by the ADC Organising Secretary’s Office, as well as the outcome of the screening exercise conducted by this committee, it is clear that Mr. Najeem Salaam is the only aspirant seeking the party’s governorship ticket,” Nwajiuba stated.
A total of 528 delegates drawn from the 332 wards across Osun State subsequently lined up to cast their votes during the exercise.
At the conclusion of the primary, Nwajiuba formally declared Salaam as the party’s flag bearer.
“By the powers conferred on this panel by the constitution of the African Democratic Congress, I, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba PhD, Chairman of this panel and Returning Officer, hereby announce Mr. Najeem Salaam as the candidate-elect and flag bearer of the ADC for the 2026 Osun State governorship election,” he declared.
In his acceptance speech, Salaam expressed gratitude to the leadership and members of the ADC for the confidence reposed in him, describing the mandate as both an honour and a 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, and I accept it with prayer because the challenges ahead are real,” he said.
Salaam pledged to work with party stakeholders and the people of Osun State to deliver purposeful leadership and good governance if elected.