The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2026 Osun State gubernatorial election, Najeem Folasayo Salaam, has declared emphatically that โOsun will prosper again under my watch.โ
Dr. Salaam, a seasoned politician, academic and community leader, made this declaration as part of his vision to reposition Osun State for sustainable growth, inclusive governance and people-centered development.
A former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Dr. Salaam brings decades of legislative experience and public service to the forefront of the 2026 gubernatorial race. His political journey, which began at the grassroots level, has been characterized by commitment to accountability, transparency and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening governance in the state.
In December 2025, Dr. Salaam secured an overwhelming mandate to fly the ADC flag in the forthcoming election, reflecting the confidence of party delegates in his leadership capacity and transformative vision for Osun State.
A Vision Rooted in Prosperity and Accountability
According to Dr. Salaam, the current socio-economic challenges facing Osun State are the cumulative effects of years of misplaced priorities and governance lapses. He maintains that with visionary and competent leadership, the state can unlock its vast human and natural resources to achieve lasting prosperity.
His campaign is anchored on a clear and strategic roadmap built on the following key pillars:๐
1.Inclusive Governance and People-Centered Leadership
Dr. Salaam advocates participatory governance that gives citizens, community stakeholders, and traditional institutions an active voice in decision-making. He emphasizes leadership that serves the collective interest of all Osun residents.
2.Education and Human Capital Development
Recognizing education as the bedrock of sustainable development, Dr. Salaam has pledged to pursue comprehensive reforms that will equip young people with practical skills, improve learning infrastructure and enhance educational standards across the state.
3.Economic Revival and Grassroots Empowerment
Central to his agenda is the revitalization of the stateโs economy through support for small and medium enterprises, agricultural modernization and job creation initiatives. He has consistently emphasized leveraging local resources to stimulate inclusive economic growth.
4.Strengthening Cultural Institutions and Community Partnerships
Dr. Salaam acknowledges the critical role of traditional rulers and cultural institutions in fostering unity and development. He has reiterated his commitment to working collaboratively with community leaders to drive sustainable progress across all local government areas.
A Call for Unity and Collective Responsibility
Framing his ambition as a moral obligation rather than personal pursuit, Dr. Salaam calls on the people of Osun to unite behind a shared vision of progress. He stresses that disciplined governance, collective effort and transparent leadership are essential to restoring prosperity in the state.
The 2026 governorship election presents Osun voters with a pivotal choice. With the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, seeking re-election and candidates from other major political parties in the race, Dr. Salaam remains confident that his experience, inclusive philosophy and tested leadership credentials position him as the candidate capable of delivering renewed hope and measurable results.
โAs your servant-leader,โ Dr. Salaam affirmed, โI am committed to restoring dignity, prosperity and opportunity to every corner of Osun State. Together, we will build a future worthy of our heritage and aspirations.โ
Signed:
Comrade Abdulsalam Abdulkudus
(ADC State Publicity Secretary)
