The choice of Dr. Najeem Salaam as the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State is a move towards a prosperous Osun and to reignite grassroots development, writes YUSUF OKETOLA
Ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam clearly stands above other candidates.
His pedigree and public office records place him as the most qualified to take over Bola Ige house, Abere come November 27.
The vision of Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam for Osun State is not just about ambition. It is about competence, character and a proven mind ready for the assignment.
It is a vision anchored on a tripod of truth, Omoluabi ethos and transparency.
Salaam is an astute politician, vast in administration and good leadership.
Salaam’s vision for Osun is broad and deliberate. His ideas cut across education reform, agricultural modernisation, healthcare revitalisation, security, and workers’ welfare.
His aspiration to govern Osun State stems from his passion to serve the people more effectively.
He has a clear standard and vision for youths empowerment, care for the elderly women and children, security, education reform, agricultural transformation, workers’ welfare and healthcare revitalisation.
His tenure as a former speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly (2011-2015) witnessed remarkable achievements. The house under his leadership promulgated 32 Bills, made 42 Resolutions and conducted 4 public Hearings. The laws involved HIV/AIDS, signage and street advertising, security trust funds and urban renewal.
More so, during his tenure, he oversaw how funds were being allocated for projects and ensured the durability of the projects. There was a time he directed members of the House to supervise the 10klm roads constructed in each of the local governments.
He made sure the executive complied with what is specified in the budget and within the context of the project they handled.
Dr. Salaam’s governorship ambition is to restore hope for the common residents of Osun and make sure no one goes to bed unfed.
He is poised to improve the security of the state, roll out programmes to banish and eradicate hunger and poverty, to ensure the children of the haves and have-nots are able to attend the same school, and to close the gap between the rich and the poor.
ADC’s choice of a woman, Mrs Yemisi Agiri, as Salaam’s running mate, is also both strategic and value-driven.
The choice of Agiri reflects the party’s commitment to inclusive governance, gender balance and broader representation in leadership.
This is to ensure that women, who constitute a significant portion of the population, are actively represented in the decision-making process.
Salaam, while speaking on the choice, noted that beyond symbolism, the selection was based on competence and the need to harness diverse perspectives in governance.
He maintained that empowering women in leadership roles would enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in areas affecting families, education, healthcare, and social development.
“Our decision to pick a female deputy governorship candidate is intentional and strategic. It is about inclusion, fairness, and tapping into the immense potential that women bring to governance,” Salaam said.
He further assured that, if elected, his administration would run a government that accommodates all segments of society, irrespective of gender, age, or background, adding that the ADC government would prioritise policies that promote equity, development, and collective progress across Osun State.
He reaffirmed his commitment to delivering real development and urged party members and the electorate to support ADC in the forthcoming election.