Former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Najeem Salaam, has emerged as the African Democratic Congress candidate for the 2026 governorship election in Osun State.
Salaam clinched the party’s ticket on Monday, December 15, at the ADC governorship primary held at the Ultimate Civic Centre in Osogbo.
Speaking before the commencement of the primary, Chairman of the ADC 2026 Primary Election Committee, Mr Emeka Nwajiuba, disclosed that Salaam was the only aspirant cleared to contest.
“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 drawn from the state’s 332 wards participated in the exercise and were accredited to vote.
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While announcing the outcome of the primary, Nwajiuba said all 528 votes were cast, with 520 valid votes recorded in Salaam’s favour, 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 said.
In his acceptance speech, Salaam expressed gratitude to the party leadership and delegates for the confidence reposed in him.
“I accept this mandate as the gubernatorial candidate of the ADC with a deep sense of responsibility,” Salaam said.
“I accept it with hope because our people still believe. I accept it with prayer because the challenges ahead are real,” he added.