Najeem Salaam, former speaker of the Osun assembly, has emerged as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the 2026 Osun governorship election.
The former speaker secured the party’s ticket at the ADC governorship primary held on Monday at the Ultimate Civic Centre in Osogbo.
Emeka Nwajiuba, chairman of the ADC 2026 primary election committee, told delegates before the exercise that Salaam was the sole aspirant for the position.
He said, “the information from the ADC organising secretary’s office and screening exercise conducted, indicates that Salaam is the only aspirant vying for the party’s ticket.”
A total of 528 delegates drawn from the 332 wards of the state subsequently queued to cast their votes.
Announcing the outcome, Nwajiuba said all 528 votes were cast, with 520 valid votes recorded for Salaam and eight votes 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 of our party/flag bearer for the Osun governorship election 2026, Najeem Salaam”.
In his acceptance speech, Salaam expressed gratitude to party members and leaders for the confidence shown in him.
He said the ADC represents a credible alternative government and affirmed his acceptance of the party’s mandate to contest the election.
“I accept this mandate as the gubernatorial candidate of the ADC with a deep sense of responsibility,” he said.
“I accept it with hope because our people still believe. I accept it with prayer because the challenges ahead are real.”
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed August 8, 2026, as one of the few off-cycle governorship contests.