Najeem Folasayo Salam, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2026 Osun State election, has said his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) was guided by conscience rather than political betrayal.
Salam made the declaration on Monday in Osogbo during his acceptance speech after emerging as the ADC governorship candidate at the party’s primary election.
He was declared winner after emerging through consensus, polling a total of 520 votes at the exercise.
Describing his emergence as more than a routine political event, Salam said it marked a moral responsibility to the people of Osun State.
“Today is not simply a political moment; it is a moral calling. I thank the leadership and members of the ADC for the confidence reposed in me. Your trust is not taken lightly. Through your mandate, I accept this responsibility with a clear heart and steady resolve,” he said.
Addressing the political situation in the state, Salam attributed Osun’s challenges to years of poor political decisions, internal contradictions and misplaced priorities, particularly within the APC.
“Attempts at reform were resisted,” he added.
Explaining his exit from the ruling party, Salam stressed that the move was based on principle.
“Leaving that structure was not an act of disloyalty; it was an act of conscience,” he said.
The ADC candidate also criticised the continued withholding of local government allocations and the legal battles surrounding the issue, noting that the situation had weakened grassroots governance.
According to him, the crisis has led to struggling schools, unpaid workers and neglected communities across the state.
Salam said the ADC represents a credible alternative anchored on responsible leadership, transparency, development and unity, adding that the party has rejected what he described as the “politics of punishment”.
Outlining his agenda, he pledged to prioritise workers’ welfare, revive the education sector, empower youths, strengthen security, promote local enterprises and restore public trust in governance.
He assured party members and supporters of his commitment to the ADC’s mandate and called for unity as the party prepares for the 2026 governorship election in Osun State.
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