The former Speaker of the Osun Assembly, Mr Najeem Salaam, on Monday, emerged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Osun 2026 governorship election.

9news Nigeria reports that Salaam emerged 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, Mr Emeka Nwajiuba, said Salaam was the sole aspirant for the office.

He said, “the list/information from the ADC Organising Secretary’s Office and screening exercise conducted, indicates 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 results of the election, Nwajiuba said a total of 528 votes were cast, out of which, 520 valid votes were recorded for Najeem Salaam while eight votes 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, 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 mandate of the party 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.