By Lateef Ibrahim
Najeem Folasayo Salam, the candidate of the African Democratic Congress, (ADC), for the Osun governorship election, has described his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress, (APC), as an ‘act of conscience’.
Salam made the assertion in his acceptance speech shortly after emerging as the ADC governorship candidate at yesterday’s primary election in Osogbo.
Peoples Daily had earlier reported that Salam was declared the Osun ADC governorship candidate after he emerged through consensus, polling 520 votes at the exercise.
He said his emergence was more than a political development.
“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 that responsibility with a clear heart and steady resolve.”
Addressing the political situation in the state, Salam said Osun’s challenges were rooted in “years of poor political judgment, internal contradictions, and misplaced priorities, particularly within the All Progressives Congress”.
“Attempts at reform were resisted,” he added.
Explaining his departure from the APC, Salam said, “Leaving that structure was not an act of disloyalty; it was an act of conscience.”
Salam also criticised the withholding of local government allocations and the attendant legal disputes.
“The situation had resulted in weakened local governance, struggling schools, unpaid workers, and neglected communities.”
He said the ADC offered an alternative built on “responsible leadership, transparency, development and unity”. According to him, the party has rejected what he termed ‘politics of punishment’.
Outlining his commitments, Salam pledged to prioritise workers’ welfare, revitalise education, empower youths, strengthen security, promote local enterprise and restore public trust in governance.
He assured supporters that he would uphold the mandate of the party and called for unity ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
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