Former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, on Monday emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2026 election after the party held its primary in the state capital. The primary took place at the Ultimate Civic Centre in Osogbo, where party delegates gathered to choose a flag bearer for the next governorship race.
The exercise was conducted by the ADC Primary Election Committee, which confirmed that Salaam was the only aspirant cleared to contest for the ticket. Party officials explained that records from the organising office and the screening process showed that no other member applied for the position. As a result, delegates from all 332 wards across Osun State participated in the voting process.
A total of 528 delegates cast their votes during the primary. At the end of the exercise, 520 votes were recorded in favour of Salaam, while eight ballots were declared invalid. Following the announcement of the results, the election committee formally declared him the party’s candidate for the 2026 Osun governorship election.
After his emergence, Salaam expressed appreciation to party leaders and members for trusting him with the mandate. He acknowledged the task ahead and stated that he accepted the responsibility with commitment and readiness to work for the people of Osun State.
With the conclusion of the primary, the ADC has officially presented Salaam as its flag bearer ahead of the 2026 governorship contest, as political activities gradually build up toward the election in the state.