Osun: Controversy trails emergence of ex-Speaker as ADC candidate for governor

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

The announcement of Dr Najeem Salaam, a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate has triggered controversy.

Reports indicate that the party selected Salaam for the 2026 Osun election after a decisive vote in Lagos on Friday. ADC leadership reportedly convened a closed-door meeting to resolve ongoing divisions and agree on a consensus candidate ahead of the polls.

Salaam’s selection was at the expense of Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, a former Secretary to the State Government, marking a notable shift in the party’s internal dynamics.

Despite the decision, party insiders have called for unity between factions to strengthen the ADC as it faces a competitive political landscape. The party is expected to formally introduce Dr Salaam to its Osun chapter and outline its campaign strategy for the 2026 election soon.

However, a caucus within the ADC known as Omoluabi Progressive has disputed this development, asserting that the party has not officially nominated a governorship candidate.

In a statement on Saturday, Oluwaseun Abosede, the group’s publicity secretary, stated: “ADC is yet to pick its candidate. Omoluabi Progressives only had an internal arrangement within its fold.”

Abosede further insisted that until the ADC holds a formal meeting, no official statement regarding the candidate is valid, suggesting that the earlier report was inaccurate.