At the Osun State governorship primary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) held on Tuesday, Rt. Hon. Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam emerged as the party’s flagbearer for the 2026 election, following a peaceful, transparent, and well-organised process that enabled party members across the state to freely cast their votes in an atmosphere marked by openness and credibility.
The conduct and outcome of the primary demonstrated the ADC’s commitment to internal democracy and participatory politics. Party members exercised their right to choose without imposition, affirming the ADC’s belief that leadership should emerge through consensus and the free will of the people. The process reinforced confidence in the party as a platform built on fairness, inclusion, and respect for democratic principles.
Rt. Hon. Salaam’s emergence signals a shift in Osun’s political mood. Across the state, citizens are increasingly disillusioned with politics driven by personal ambition rather than public interest. Many now identify with a movement that prioritises competence, accountability, and leadership guided by conscience. The enthusiasm surrounding the primary reflects a growing readiness among the people for purposeful change.
The ADC is positioning itself as a credible alternative by articulating clear policies focused on social welfare and inclusive development. Central to its agenda are the restoration and expansion of free school feeding, mass youth employment and empowerment, robust social investment programmes, and unprecedented rural and urban renewal initiatives. These policies are designed to improve living standards, stimulate local economies, and ensure that governance directly impacts households and communities.
As preparations toward the 2026 election continue, one message is becoming unmistakable. The people of Osun are reclaiming their voice and rallying around a party and a candidate committed to people centred governance. With the ADC and Dr. Najeem Salaam, the state appears poised for a future driven by service and opportunity.
