The former speaker of the Osun assembly, Najeem Salaam, on Monday, emerged as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the state’s 2026 governorship election.

Mr Salaam emerged as the ADC governorship candidate following the party’s primary conducted at the Ultimate Civic Centre in Osogbo.

Addressing party delegates before the exercise, the chairman of the ADC 2026 Primary Election Committee, Emeka Nwajiuba, said Mr Salaam was the sole aspirant for the office.

He said, “The list/information from the ADC organising secretary’s office and the screening exercise conducted indicate that Salaam is the only aspirant vying for the party’s ticket.”

Thereafter, the 528 ADC delegates, from across the 332 wards of the states, lined up to cast their votes.

Announcing the election results, Mr Nwajiuba said a total of 528 votes were cast, of which 520 were validly recorded for Mr Salaam, while eight were 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, Mr Salaam thanked members and leadership of the ADC for the confidence reposed in him and entrusting him with their mandate

He said the ADC offers a credible alternative government and that he accepts the party’s mandate to run as its governorship candidate.

“I accept this mandate as the gubernatorial candidate of the ADC with a deep sense of responsibility.

“I accept it with hope because our people still believe. I accept it with prayer because the challenges ahead are real,” he said.

(NAN)