Ex‑Speaker Najeem Salaam Clinches ADC Governorship Ticket in Osun
Osogbo – In a development that has injected fresh intrigue into Osun State’s unfolding political drama, Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam, a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, has emerged as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for the 2026 election. Reports from the state capital indicate that Salaam secured the nomination through a primary and consensus process, winning the support of party delegates and positioning himself as the ADC’s standard bearer for next year’s poll. The primary was held under the supervision of the ADC National Secretariat and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission, a move that underscored the party’s intention to adhere to internal democratic norms. Salaam’s emergence comes at a time when Osun’s political landscape is rapidly evolving, with multiple parties already fielding or finalising candidates for the August 8, 2026 governorship election. Despite the announcement, the race within the ADC has not been without tension. Reports from within party ranks detail internal disagreement and a recent departure of a senior figure from the ADC’s Osun caucus, linked to differences over candidate selection. The friction highlights the challenges facing smaller parties as they seek to build credibility and cohesive platforms ahead of the state’s highly contested election cycle. Political analysts suggest that Salaam’s nomination signals the ADC’s strategic positioning as an alternative to the dominant parties, though its impact on the broader electoral contest remains to be seen. With the major parties still finalising their own tickets, the Osun governorship race is shaping up as a three‑way battle that could reshape alliances and voter calculations across the state.
Joel Owah | 2025-12-15 13:49:59