Former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Najeem Salaam, has emerged as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the 2026 governorship election.
Salaam emerged victorious on Monday, following the party’s primary election held in Osogbo, Osun State, with 528 delegates from across the 332 wards.
Addressing the delegates before his emergence, 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,” he said.
Announcing the results, Nwajiuba said a total of 528 votes were cast, out of which 520 were valid votes for Najeem Salaam, while eight were voided.
Subsequently, Nwajiuba declared, “By the power conferred on this panel, and 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.”
In an acceptance speech, Salaam thanked the members and leadership of the ADC for their confidence and the mandate entrusted to him.
“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 victory is possible. I accept it with prayer because the challenges ahead are real,” he said.
Najeem called on party members to work as a team to ensure ADC wins the election slated for August 2026.